The Manchester Derby is no doubt the highlight fixture of the Premier League weekend, but it’s a match that will see many star players out due to injury on both sides. For visiting Manchester United, this clash has long been declared the return date for midfielder Paul Pogba, but his status for this one still remains in doubt.
England’s most expensive player ever has not featured since late September due to ongoing ankle and foot problems. He has just five appearances and two assists (no goals scored) in Premier League competition this season. If he doesn’t go, and at this point no one can really sat for sure if he will/won’t, United’s midfield could still see a boost in the return of Nemanja Matic, who might likely be ready to feature for the first time since October.
The Serbian only just missed out on the midweek win over Jose Mourinho and Tottenham Hotspur. Meanwhile defenders Eric Bailly, Diogo Dalot and Timothy Fosu-Mensah all remain long term absentees. Another defender, Marcos Rojo, might be available, but this match might come too soon for him to feature.
Finally, Anthony Martial is a doubt for this one as he missed the win over Spurs due to what was deemed just a “slight injury.” How mysterious!
Flipping over to the heavily favored hosts, defender Oleksandr Zinchenko might honestly be back in the mix now after having recovered from knee surgery in October.
All-time leading scorer Sergio Aguero is still a week or so away from being match fit while Aymeric Laporte and Leroy Sane are still out until well into the New Year. Look for Gabriel Jesus to try and make the most of his opportunities while Aguero remains out.
Manchester Derby FYIs
Starting XI Predictions: go to this link
Kickoff: 7:30 BST, Dec. 7, City of Manchester Stadium
Google Result Probability: Manchester City win 74%, Draw 16%, Manchester United win 10%
Form Guide: Manchester City WDWLW Manchester United- WDDWL
Series history: Manchester United wins 73 Draws 52 Manchester City wins 53
Prediction: Manchester City 2, Manchester United 1
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net, which is partnered with News Now. Banks, the author of “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry,” regularly appears on WGN CLTV and co-hosts the “Let’s Get Weird, Sports” podcast on SB Nation.
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