Manchester United lost to Manchester City 6-3 earlier this season, but they are optimistic going into the rematch on Saturday.
A ninth straight victory would bring Erik ten Hag's team's eight-match winning streak across all competitions to an end and bring them to within one point of reigning champions City in the Premier League standings.
Pep Guardiola's team, on the other hand, has struggled of late but can take heart from a run of three straight derby victories, defeating United 2-0 and 4-1 last season.
Here are the expected starting lineups for both clubs in the 189th Manchester derby.
lineups for Man City vs. Man United
In their opening match of the weekend, City will look to catch Mikel Arteta's team by two points as they take on Arsenal in another local derby on Sunday.
The goal for United is to move up to second place behind City with a spirit-boosting victory in order to make this a three-way title race.
The decisions made by Teg Hag and Guardiola could have far-reaching effects.
Manchester United starting 11
(4-3-3): De Gea (GK) — Wan Bissaka, Varane, Martinez, Shaw — Fernandes, Casemiro, Fred — Antony, Martial, Rashford
- Injured: Dalot, Van de Beek, Sancho, Martial (doubtful)
- Suspended: None
Aaron Wan-Bisaka will probably start on the right side of the back four because Diogo Dalot is still recovering from the injury he suffered during the 3-0 Carabao Cup quarterfinal victory against Charlton Athletic.
Given that City have dominated that part of the field during recent derbies, Fred might be brought in to strengthen the United midfield. The player most likely to be replaced is Christian Eriksen, however he might potentially play as a false nine if Anthony Martial is unable to recover from a minor leg injury, or in midfield if Bruno Fernandes is forced to move upfield while Martial is out.
If Martial is unable to play, the in-form Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho would line up as center forward and the left wing, respectively.
Manchester City starting 11
(4-3-3): Ederson (GK) — Walker, Akanji, Ake, Cancelo — Silva, Rodri, De Bruyne — Mahrez, Haaland, Foden
- Injured: Dias, Stones
- Suspended: None
Few of Guardiola's backup and fringe players did themselves any favors when it comes to pushing for derby-day inclusion, as John Stones has not recovered from the injury that kept him out of the 2-0 midweek defeat at Southampton in the Carabao Cup.
At center-back, where the Dutchman has supplanted Aymeric Laporte lately, Manuel Akanji is most likely to pair Nathan Ake. Stones' absence may also have an impact on Guardiola's decision to start youngster Rico Lewis over veteran Kyle Walker at right-back to counter Rashford's threat.
Following a week of cup matches against Chelsea and Saints, Kevin De Brunye and Erling Haaland are expected to make their starting XI comebacks feeling refreshed. Phil Foden and Jack Grealish will be in a tight race to join Haaland and a revitalized Riyad Mahrez in the City attacking line.
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