The 197th edition of the Manchester Derby, has already got massive implications for the rest of the season, with the red side of Manchester currently one point clear of their blue neighbours three games into the new season.
Manchester City will be looking to bounce back from two consecutive defeats in the Premier League against Tottenham Hotspur (0-2) and Brighton & Hove Albion (2-1), as one of the early-season contenders could find themselves nine points adrift of the top of the Premier League after matchday four. In this fixture, the Citizens have had a strong record at home, winning three of the last four meetings and averaging 4.3 goals per game in those wins. However, the issue for Manchester City has been in the defensive areas, as teams such as Brighton & Hove Albion and Tottenham Hotspur this season have exposed the frailties at the back, which could provide a slight concern against a Manchester United side that will likely sit deep and patiently wait for counter-attacking opportunities.
The real question will be asked of Ruben Amorim's defence...
His Manchester United side has shown improvement in their Premier League displays against Burnley and, more notably, Arsenal at the beginning of the season. However, questions will be asked of his side following the embarrassment of their EFL Cup defeat against Grimsby Town. The last five Manchester derbies have seen Manchester United concede nine goals, with their only shutout taking place at Old Trafford last season.
Defensively, the Red Devils have been poor, as the away side have not kept a clean sheet in eight matches. This season alone, they have conceded four goals in four matches, and they have failed to keep a clean sheet at the Etihad Stadium since 2021.