Man City predicted lineup vs Man Utd - Premier League
By Max Parsons
Manchester City visit bitter rivals Manchester United on Saturday, taking centre stage in this weekend's Premier League fixtures.
Pep Guardiola's side will be desperate for a positive result and put an end to a fairly worrying - albeit very brief - rut in domestic matters. They were dumped out of the League Cup for the first time in half a decade courtesy of a penalty shootout defeat at West Ham, before losing 2-0 at home to Crystal Palace in the Premier League last time out.
They did, however, blow Champions League opponents Club Brugge away in midweek (again), beating the Belgians 4-1 at the Etihad. Next up are a United side struggling and still recovering from humiliation at the hands of Liverpool - they are on a run of two games unbeaten, though.
Here's who Guardiola could field to get a victory at Old Trafford.
1. Goalkeeper & Defenders
Ederson (GK) - Was well beaten for both Palace goals last time out but still has five Premier League clean sheets to his name and will look to make it six at United.
Joao Cancelo (RB) - Kyle Walker is a doubt for this one after limping out of the Champions League clash in midweek. That could force a reshuffle.
John Stones (CB) - With Aymeric Laporte serving a suspension, Stones will get the opportunity to reinstate the centre-back partnership that was so solid last campaign.
Ruben Dias (CB) - The unquestionable presence at the heart of City's back line, Dias is a sure starter for the visitors on Saturday.
Oleksandr Zinchenko (LB) - The Ukraine international got crucial minutes off the bench in midweek after an injury hit start to the season. The alternative option here would be Nathan Ake.
2. Midfielders
Rodri (DM) - Crucial in allowing Guardiola's creative sparks the freedom to express themselves. His battle with Bruno Fernandes will prove vital.
Bernardo Silva (CM) - Hitting a really high level this term, Silva looks fluid, sharp and brilliantly confident every time he touches the ball - it's no wonder he's started their last 13 across the Premier League and Champions League.
Kevin De Bruyne (CM) - Ilkay Gundogan got the nod in midweek, which means a likely start for a well-rested De Bruyne on Saturday.
3. Forwards
Gabriel Jesus (RW) - Came on for the last 20 minutes against Brugge and notched a goal for good measure. In brilliant form this campaign, and will likely continue to feature on the right at United.
Phil Foden (ST) - Was unusually absent when Palace visited the Etihad, but managed to find the net last time out and looks set for another start on Saturday.
Jack Grealish (LW) - Has only managed one assist since mid-September, but is always so vital in creating chances and asserting the front line's dominance over their opposition. An intelligent player, and a likely starter for the derby.