Rivals Manchester United and Manchester City will face each other this weekend.
The Premier League returns this weekend after an international break. All eyes will be on the early kick-off on Saturday – the all important Manchester derby.
Manager Jose Mourinho will be hoping for a home win
It may only be the beginning of the 2016/2017 campaign, but you can’t ignore the start both Manchester rivals have had.
Both clubs, along with Chelsea, are unbeaten in their starts to the season. All three clubs look set to battle it out for the Premier League title.
There’s a feeling of excitement at the moment around the city of Manchester, with the arrivals of new managers and world class players to boast about. The battle between Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola is one that will reignite the fierce rivalry between the two managers. The pair have known each other for 20 years and will both be determined not to lose that personal war.
Going into the derby, City have already suffered a blow as leading goal scorer Sergio Aguero will miss the game after being banned for three matches. This was after the Argentina international was found guilty of violent conduct for elbowing West Ham’s Winston Reid in City’s 3-1 win against the Hammers. Aguero has scored three goals in three league games this season for City.
Sergio Aguero will miss the derby
Kelechi Iheanacho will have a chance to shine up front, Raheem Sterling looks unstoppable at the moment and will be someone that United will be wary of. However, United have the more solid defence. Eric Bailly and Daley Blind are key parts to the Red Devils’ back four. Antonio Valencia is due back from international duty on Friday so could be a doubt. World record signing Paul Pogba will also be hoping to put in a good performance in his first derby.
Who needs to win more?
Both teams are competitive and well-matched – the last time the two teams were fighting at the top was 2012/2013 – the last time United won the Premier League under Sir Alex Ferguson. This is the first season since the departure of Fergie where United have looked capable of being real title contenders.
Neither team will be targeting a draw, both will be looking to take all three points at Old Trafford. A defeat for United at home will be unimaginable for Mourinho. However, a win for the Red Devils will show fans that this new United side are capable of going all the way. Guardiola will have his side fired up – City will do everything they can to secure three points.
With a perfect start to the campaign for both teams, someone has to drop points on Saturday. Although the result won’t determine which side comes out on top at the end, but it will certainly shape the season. Its early days and last season proved that anything can happen.
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