Manchester Derby Match Preview

On Sunday evening the two Manchester clubs will face off in what is shaping up to be a huge game in the context of both clubs season. The Manchester derby has a reputation for being one of the biggest derbies in football.

This will mark the 197th Manchester derby, with the home side Manchester City winning 61 of those fixtures and United winning 80. History suggests that United have been relatively dominant in this fixture, also in recent times United have had success playing away at the Etihad which makes this game all the more interesting.

Manchester City went winless in the Manchester derby last season in the Premier League. 😅

Will they be able to take down United on Sunday? 👀 pic.twitter.com/cjaCBhWTuf

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) September 11, 2025

Predicted line-ups

The team news for the game is subject to change in the few days leading up to kick off however as it stands there looks to be some big inclusions for both sides. Most noticeably, Donnarumma who is expected to make his debut for City.

United on the other hand have a tough decision on their hands weather or not new goalkeeper Sanne Lemmens will start in goal or if they stick with Bayinder. Matheus Cunha will miss out due to a hamstring injury he sustained before the international break and Omar Marmoush will also miss out after sustaining a knee injury during the international break.

The Predicted line-ups are as follows:

Manchester City: (4-1-4-1) Donnarumma, Nunes, Stones, Dias, Ait-Nouri, Rodri, Bobb, Reijnders, Silva, Doku, Haaland

Manchester United: (3-5-2-1) Bayindir, Yoro, De Ligt, Shaw, Diallo, Casemiro, Mainoo, Dorgu, Mbuemo, Fernandes, Sesko

Injury update: Omar Marmoush

— Manchester City (@ManCity) September 10, 2025

Players to keep an eye on/ Sesko vs Donnarumma

I think Sesko is a player to watch for this game, i think the new striker will start the game and will be looking to make a statement in his first Manchester derby. He has not really hit the ground running at United yet but the explosive young striker will see this weekend as a perfect opportunity to show the fans what he can do.

Notably the player to watch for city is the one that will be making an effort to keep Sesko out and stop him from scoring and that is Donnarumma. The already world renowned goalkeeper will be looking at showcasing his incredible shot stopping ability in the premier league and there is no other perfect way to start your Manchester city Career than to win the Manchester derby with a clean sheet.

Straight out there 💪🧤

🩵 @donnarumma pic.twitter.com/uM2Gvb41M8

— Manchester City (@ManCity) September 11, 2025

Prediction

There is a lot on the line for both teams in this game. Manchester City almost have to win to keep in touch with Liverpool and considering their start to the season, it is important to put in a quality performance and make a statement letting the other teams in the league know that they are not going anywhere. They lost at home to spurs already this year and I do not think they want to lose 2 games at home already this season especially to such big clubs.

United on the other hand need to put in a good performance. Their results have once again not been good and manager Amorim is under some serious pressure to deliver. The old saying pressure makes diamonds will be tested for Amorim and his men this weekend going into enemy territory looking to make a statement. If United can win it will be a massive momentum boost for the fans and the players for the rest of the season.

My prediction is that all things considered it will be a very competitive and close game however I think City will edge it and come out with the win.