Manchester United vs Man City team news and predicted line-ups: Casemiro returns, Maguire starts but Mount benched for derby, Alvarez partners Haaland
The Manchester derby is always one of the standout Premier League clashes, and this weekend's one will be no different.
Manchester United welcome neighbours Man City to Old Trafford, with both sides not at their best.
Erik ten Hag's men are doing just enough to nick wins here and there, but they are a long way from showcasing their top level.
Meanwhile, City lost three domestic fixtures in a row before the last international break.
But the treble-winners have since beaten Brighton and Young Boys in the Champions League so could be getting back on track.
Plus, Pep Guardiola has very few injury concerns to contend with, while United face plenty of issues.
Man United
The hosts have lots of fitness problems, especially in defence.
Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia are all out.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka is actually back in training so could be on the bench.
Shaw is hopeful of being involved soon, but the other two are out of action for the foreseeable future.
Kobbie Mainoo played for Man United's Under-21s in midweek, but this will come too soon for him to be considered.
Amad Diallo is also injured.
However, Casemiro is expected to be fit and is likely to return to the team while Alejandro Garnacho is likely to be taken out of the firing line after the FA opened an investigation into him for a 'racially aggravated' tweet.
Andre Onana will start in goal and will look to build off his incredible penalty save deep into stoppage time in midweek.
Diogo Dalot has the match fitness over Wan-Bissaka so should start, while Sergio Reguilon will hope to start at left-back.
But Ten Hag might elect to stick Victor Lindelof in there instead.
Harry Maguire has been in great form over the last two matches and will probably partner Raphael Varane.
In midfield, United have some choices to make.
Casemiro is almost certain to come back in, but who will partner him?
Sofyan Amrabat, Christian Eriksen and Scott McTominay all stand a chance.
McTominay has been scoring for fun recently and Amrabat would provide another solid option alongside Casemiro.
But if United are to beat City, they need to be able to create chances, and Eriksen can do that from deep, so he should get the nod.
Mason Mount is yet to set the world on fire and is likely to have to make do with a spot on the bench again.
Antony is likely to start on the right due to the potential ban for Garnacho.
Marcus Rashford hasn't been at his best this season, but he scored the winner in this same fixture last year and can always produce a moment of magic.
United captain Bruno Fernandes will then slot in behind Rasmus Hojlund, who will be desperate for his first Premier League goal.
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Man City
City have a much cleaner bill of health, with only long-term absentee Kevin De Bruyne and goalkeeper Zack Steffen in the treatment room.
But Manuel Akanji won't be available, so Guardiola will have to decide which centre-back will partner Ruben Dias.
In goal, Ederson will start.
Kyle Walker will come in at right-back and Dias is likely to play as the left-sided centre-back.
John Stones should take Akanji's place and Josko Gvardiol can fill in at left-back instead of Nathan Ake.
In midfield, Rodri is certain to start with Mateo Kovacic expected alongside him.
Jack Grealish is expected to drop out for England teammate Phil Foden.
He will take up a spot on the right, with Jeremy Doku moving across to the left.
Julian Alvarez will then slot in behind Erling Haaland.
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Man United vs Man City: Betting
Match Odds
Man Utd: 4/1
Draw: 29/10
Man City: 13/20
Click to see more Premier League betting markets
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