Manchester United are preparing to take on rivals Manchester City in Sunday afternoon’s late Premier League kick-off.
Forced to watch their noisy neighbours lead the race to this season’s Premier League trophy, the Red Devils will be desperate to stop the rot and at least dent the Citizens’ hopes of retaining their domestic title.
At the other end of the spectrum, United, led by interim manager Ralf Rangnick, are enduring a patchy run of form.
Read more: Jesse Lingard victim of £100k burglary while United played Aston Villa
Despite remaining competitive in the hunt for top four football, a surge in performances from Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal sees the 20-time league winners as outsiders to qualify for the illustrious Champions League next season.
Nevertheless though, putting current form aside, Sunday’s fixture at the Etihad Stadium is a cup final in itself.
With the city’s bragging rights very much up for grabs, both sides will be aiming to win all three points and put on a commanding display in the process.
Ahead of what is expected to be an enthralling encounter in the blue half of Manchester, Rangnick and managerial counterpart Pep Guardiola have named their starting lineups, with United’s including a much-changed attacking line.
Your City XI to face United! 🔵🔴
XI | Ederson, Walker, Stones, Laporte, Cancelo, Rodrigo, De Bruyne (C), Bernardo, Mahrez, Grealish, Foden
SUBS | Carson, Sterling, Gundogan, Jesus, Zinchenko, Fernandinho, Delap, Mbete, McAtee#ManCity | @HaysTechnology pic.twitter.com/K4GMHkyIWZ
— Manchester City (@ManCity) March 6, 2022
🔴 𝐓𝐄𝐀𝐌 𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒 🔴
Introducing our Reds for the derby ⚔️#MUFC | #MCIMUN
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) March 6, 2022
Star man Cristiano Ronaldo was ruled out earlier in the day, reportedly through injury (The Athletic) and in his place comes youngster Anthony Elanga.
The important tie is scheduled to kick off at 4.30 p.m (UK time) and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
