City – United: Guardiola and Amorim face each other in the derby of necessity

When the season started and it was set that the first Manchester derby of the season would be played this Sunday afternoon (5:30 pm), few could have imagined that it would take place in a scenario like the one drawn throughout them. month. He came city in the appointment without ending the worst streak in the history of Pep Guardiola as a technician, far from the first place here Premier League and with his future in the Champions League at least up in the air after losing last Wednesday in Turin against the Juventus. and the Unitedwhich was chosen a few weeks ago Ruben Amorim instead of a Erik ten Haag where he wasn’t really trusted (and he didn’t give too many reasons for it), which proved that not all of his problems were the result of living on his bench as the Dutch coach. 4 points out of 12 possible were achieved Amorim and the ‘red devils’ came to the derby having chained defeats against Arsenal (2-0) and the Nottingham Forest (2-3, at Old Trafford to get worse), trying to see in the derby an opportunity to hit the table.

Sorry or not, the City suffers casualties

As is the usual trend these days, and it’s emphasized Pep Guardiola In his last press appearance (although pointing out that he didn’t want it to look like an excuse), the City of Manchester He was again burdened with losses for another game. To those who are known due to injury Rodrigo Hernández, Oscar Bobb, Nathan Aké, Manuel Akanji and John Stones This time Rico Lewis was accompanied by a suspension. The issue is especially sensitive regarding the adjustment of the defense system, including youth players Jahmai Simpson-Pusey (which is in the middle) and Josh Wilson-Esbrand (back left) are faced with the prospect of playing what will be the first major Manchester derby of their respective careers. The option that seems most likely is the first of the above moves with Rúben Dias in the center of the defense, both guarded on the flanks by Kyle Walker and Josko Guardiol. If Guardiola decides to bank on the Croatian at center back alongside Dias, Wilson-Esbran will slot in on the left wing. From then on, they coached the starting eleven Kevin De Bruyne, Kovacic, Bernardo Silva, Phil Foden and Matheus Nunes for the creation and three-quarter duty while above, for the purpose, there is no doubt that the chosen one will be a Erling Haaland who, it must be said, has had no natural replacement in this squad since the exit door opened Julian Alvarez so he left for Atlético de Madrid last summer.

In it United The exact opposite of what is happening in the City is happening. The Old Trafford infirmary was empty and Ruben Amorim He will field what he considers a gala eleven to try and win the derby. This means that he is under the sticks Andre Onanathe defense, with three center backs, will consist of Mazraoui, De Ligt and Lisandro Martínezthe lanes are for Amad Diallo and Diego Dalotthey will play in the engine room Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainooand they will be first Bruno Fernandes and Garnacho between lines with Rasmus Hojlund for reference. However, whoever plays this derby, either side, a great game is coming up at the Etihad Stadium.