Manchester City Vs. Manchester United Predictions: Fighting For The True Ruler Of Manchester City

Kevin De Bruyne when he brought Manchester City to beat Manchester United (photo: x @ManCity)

JAKARTA The heated rivalry between the two Manchester giants was again presented in the Manchester Derby match on Sunday, December 15, 2024, at the Etihad Stadium. Pep Guardiola and Manchester United's Manchester City under the command of Ruben Amorim will face each other to prove who the true rulers of the city of Manchester are.

Even though they are both big teams, both clubs are experiencing difficult times this season. However, this derby tension has always been a magnet for football fans around the world, including loyal supporters of both teams.

Manchester City, which usually appears dominant under Guardiola, is experiencing a significant decline in performance this season. Of the last 10 games in all competitions, City have only won two wins, with seven disappointing defeats. In fact, their position in the Champions League zone is threatened, with only a narrow lead over competitors in the Premier League standings.

Their latest defeat occurred in the Champions League, where City had to admit Juventus' lead with a score of 0-2 in Turin. Erling Haaland, who is expected to be a goal engine, failed to find a gap in the opponent's defense.

On the other hand, Manchester United are also not in the best condition. Two consecutive defeats in the Premier League, including the surprising result against Nottingham Forest, left the Red Devils slumped in 13th place in the standings. However, a 2-1 win over Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League provided little hope for Amorim and his team to rise in this derby match.

Manchester City has an impressive record at the Etihad against United. In the last three meetings at home, City have always come out victorious. However, their defense this season has been in the spotlight, as they have conceded twice or more in the last nine of the last 10 games in all competitions.

Meanwhile, United had big problems in away matches. Of the last five games outside of the Premier League, they failed to win. In fact, their poor form only resulted in two wins from the last 13 away games in the league.

Manchester City will lose several key players in this match. Rico Lewis had to miss the red card penalty he received against Crystal Palace. In addition, Rodri, Oscar Bobb, Nathan Ake, Manuel Akanji, and John Stones were also confirmed to be absent due to injury.

This situation makes Guardiola have to rack his brain. City Academy is likely to be a solution, with Jahmi Simpson-Pusey or Josh Wilson-Esbrand likely to fill a fragile backline. Mateo Kovacic, who has recovered from injury, is predicted to return to play in midfield.

Meanwhile, Manchester United almost have a complete squad, with only Luke Shaw still recovering from injury. Jonny Evans is likely to return to the squad list after starting training this week.

Ruben Amorim is predicted to make major changes to the line-up after the poor performances of several players such as Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee in the last game. Alejandro Garnacho and Mason Mount are expected to fill the attacking line with Rasmus Hojlund, who became United's winning heroes in the Europa League.

Erling Haaland remains a major threat to City's front line. Despite experiencing goal drought in recent matches, his ability to score goals in big games is unquestionable. On the other hand, United will rely on the sharpness of Rasmus Hojlund who is in an impressive performance.

The battle in midfield will be key in this match. Kevin De Bruyne's creativity in City's camp will be tested by the solidity of the mainoo and Ugarte duo that Amorim relies on to cut off the home team's flow.

Seeing the latest performance of the two teams, this match is predicted to be fierce. However, City's advantage in playing at home as well as United's poor record in away matches made the home team more seeded for victory.

Manchester City (4-2-3-1):Ederson; Walker, Dias, Simpson-Pusey, Gvardiol; De Bruyne, Kovacic; Silva, Foden, Nunes; Haaland

Manchester United (3-4-2-1):Onana; Mazraoui, De Ligt, Martinez; Diallo, Ugarte, Mainoo, Dalot; Fernandes, Garnacho; Hojlund

Manchester City 2-1 Manchester United