The first of the two Manchester Derbys this season will be held at the Etihad Stadium, with Manchester City playing host to city rivals Manchester United on Sunday afternoon, Match Day 4 of EPL 25/26
The two beleaguered teams are looking forward to kick-starting their campaign after the International break. The first 3 matches that the Manchester cousins have played in the EPL this season have raised more concerns than have subdued them.
For Manchester City, after a fine 4-0 victory against Wolves, the former Champions fell to Tottenham Hotspur 0-2, and then lost to Brighton after having the lead for most of the game.
United, on the other hand, lost to Arsenal, drew against Fulham, and barely scraped past Burnley in a desperate 3-2 win, not to mention a demoralising loss to Grimsby Town in the EFL Carabao Cup.
The performance from both teams was well below par. The new incumbents, coming at a hefty price simply failed to deliver or give confidence going forward. Hopefully, after the break, it is expected that the campaigns from both teams will begin afresh.
There are challenges, however, for the City, with Omar Marmoush being sidelined for a few weeks after getting injured playing for Egypt against Burkina Faso a few days ago. John Stones does not look a certainty either, but Gvardiol should be back, along with Phil Foden. Savinho, too, looks good to be in the reckoning. Doku also looks in great form, along with Erling Haaland, to take up scoring responsibilities.
For United, there are not many injury concerns; it is just that the team should come together and live up to the potential it possesses. Benjamin Sesko, Cunha, Bobb, and Amad Diallo need to lay their heart out along with Bruno Fernandes to put up a show against their arch rivals.
It is going to be an interesting, well-fought contest, though I have a hunch that Manchester City might just pull it off. A 2-1 scoreline in favour of the hosts is my take on the Derby.
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