Idman.biz
The Manchester derby will be held today at the "Etihad" stadium in England.
Idman.biz reports that the match will start at 19:30 Baku time.
The general condition of the teams is not very encouraging. Both clubs do not look ideal in terms of form or squad. This is more evident when we look at the teams' squads.
"Manchester City":
The current season is an ambiguous period for Pep Guardiola. The team has won only one victory in three rounds and has suffered consecutive defeats. The team has enough injuries: Omar Marmoush (suffered a knee injury during the national break and will miss the derby), Ryan Cherki, Ryan Ait-Nouri, Mateo Kovacic (his recovery will take a long time), John Stones (muscle problem).
It is believed that despite Josko Gvardiol's participation in training, whether he will participate in the starting lineup is questionable as he is not in optimal form.
"Manchester United":
The Amorim era continues, and the team has not yet reached full rhythm. Although it shows a good side in some games, there is a lack of stability. News about injuries is serious: Mateus Cunha (leukemia injury), Mason Mount and Diogo Dalot (reported to be absent from this match), Lisandro Martinez (treatment of his injury is still ongoing).
Tactical approach and starting lineups
In "Manchester City", Pep will probably enter the field with 4-1-4-1 or classic 4-3-3. Rodri will be in the pivot role in the midfield, and Haaland is the main force in the front line.
Most likely, Donnarumma will protect the goal as a new transfer. Dias and Ake should start in the defense line. Young players such as Nunes and O"Reilly may also be in the main squad. It is expected that channels such as Doku and Bernardo Silva will be used in the front line.
The head coach of "Manchester United", Ruben Amorim, emphasized that he wants to "play more with the ball" in this game and that the team will be more active.
Given the current injuries, new transfers, Benjamin Sesko may appear in the starting lineup, especially in the absence of Cunha. Bruno Fernandes can perform tasks in the front line, and Kobbie Mainoo will have more chances. The defense line can be formed with De Ligt, Yoro, Shaw or Mazraoui.
Amorim said before the match that "Manchester United" should take the ball and be active on the field, in which case the game against "Manchester City" will work out. He added that Cunha, Mount and Dalot will miss the match - which means a big change in the squad for his team.
The head coach of the opposing team, Guardiola, said that some of the injured players may return, but the main thing for him is to show the maximum with the players who are ready.
Tournament table status, statistical significance and predictions
At this stage of the Premier League, "City" has not been able to make an ideal start: there have been losses of points in several games. "United" wants a victory so that it can "get on track".
Statistical models favor "City". For example, some forecasts (Opta, etc.) show "City"'s probability of winning as 65-70%.
The most realistic scenario for "United" is that if they succeed in controlling the ball, creating gaps during breaks and attacks, they can get involved in the game with fast attacks and standard situations. But the lack of injured players makes this plan difficult.
Forecast and probabilities
"City" is the favorite, but the victory will be with a small score - 2-1 or 1-0 are within the probabilities.
A draw is possible for "United" if they set up a good press, especially if "City" make mistakes in defense.
In short, the first start of the derby will be a big test: the psychological state and physical form of the clubs' new transfers will affect the outcome of the game.
Mammad Islamov
Idman.biz
