Man City vs Man Utd Preview, Team News, Likely Line-Ups, Key Man & Predicted Score

Manchester City entertain rivals Manchester United at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon with both teams looking to kick start their stuttering seasons.

City were dumped out of the Capital One Cup on Wednesday night after losing 2-0 at home to Newcastle United with that result coming just says after a disappointing 2-1 defeat to West Ham in the league at Upton Park, so it’s safe to say it’s not been a good week for the Citizens.

And with league leaders Chelsea winning 2-1 against QPR this afternoon it leaves City nine points adrift so they’ll be desperate to get back to winning ways tomorrow in order to keep in touch at the top of the table.

United come into the game in slightly better form with Robin van Persie netting a stoppage time strike to earn a 1-1 draw against Chelsea at Old Trafford last Sunday.

However, despite that morale-boosting point, the 20-time champions sit down in eighth place in the table after enduring their worst start to a Premier League season so Louis van Gaal will be keen to build some momentum after a frustrating opening few months at the club.

Team news

City will be without David Silva after the playmaker was ruled out for up to a month with a knee injury picked up against Newcastle in midweek.

Samir Nasri made a successful comeback off the bench on Wednesday so the Frenchman should come back into the starting eleven tomorrow.

Yaya Toure is expected to shake off a minor groin problem to start in midfield but Frank Lampard is out with a thigh injury.

United welcome back Wayne Rooney after he served his three-match ban and van Gaal has laughed off suggestions his skipper is carrying a knock.

However, Radamel Falcao misses out once again after failing to recover from a calf injury that saw him miss last weeks draw with Chelsea.

Michael Carrick is pushing to make his first appearance of the season after recovering from an ankle injury while Ander Herrera is expected to come back in to the side after being left out last week.

Jonny Evans is edging closer to making his playing return from an ankle problem while Antonio Valencia is fit again after a hamstring issue.

Likely Line-Ups

Key Man

Angel Di Maria: The Argentine wasn’t at his best against Chelsea but it was a rare blip in what’s otherwise been an impressive start to life at Old Trafford. City are certainly going to want to keep a close eye on him in this game as if they give him too much room, he’ll cause them problems.

Predicted Score

Man City 1-1 Man Utd: Both sides are yet to find their stride this season but I can see United causing City a few problems tomorrow and taking something away from the Etihad.

What team would you select and whats your predicted score for the game?