Manchester City vs Manchester United – Premier League – Preview, Team News and Updates

Premier League’s Gameweek 16 is almost upon us, and it’s shaping up to be an absolute treat for football fans. While Everton taking on Arsenal and Chelsea hosting Brentford promise plenty of intrigue, the main event is undoubtedly the Manchester derby. All eyes will turn to the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, where Manchester City and Manchester United are set to reignite their fierce rivalry in what promises to be a thrilling showdown.

Manchester City and Manchester United find themselves in unfamiliar territory this season, desperately chasing consistency after stuttering starts. Who would've thought we’d be talking about both Manchester clubs struggling to find their rhythm at this stage? Yet, here we are. For most Premier League clubs, sitting on 27 points after 15 games wouldn’t exactly set off alarm bells. But Manchester City aren’t just any club. Their dominance has been so overwhelming in recent years that anything less than perfection feels like a full-blown crisis—and make no mistake, it’s starting to look like one for the Cityzens. The iron grip they’ve held on the Premier League trophy is loosening, and Pep Guardiola, for all his tactical genius, seems short of answers right now. 

That said, even a "below-par" City remains a terrifying prospect for opponents. Their squad is still stacked with firepower capable of dismantling any side. As for Manchester United? Let’s just say they’re not exactly flying high either. Back-to-back losses to Arsenal and Nottingham Forest have left the Red Devils reeling, and their hopes of a Champions League spot are slipping. If they’re going to turn things around, a win at the Etihad on Sunday isn’t just desirable—it’s essential. With both teams desperate to make a statement, the stage is set for an electric Manchester derby. Sparks are bound to fly as City look to reclaim their swagger and United fight to stay relevant in the top-four race. 

Manchester City vs Manchester United – Match Preview 

Is Pep Guardiola losing his magic touch? Now, that’s a sentiment many fans are starting to harbor in their minds after Manchester City suffered another disappointing loss. The Cityzens were thoroughly outclassed in their midweek Champions League clash, falling 2-0 to Thiago Motta’s Juventus in Turin. But the most worrying takeaway wasn’t the scoreline—it was the flat, uninspired performance from Guardiola’s men. Without their talisman and Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, as well as several other key players, City look like a shadow of the dominant force we’re used to. For a team that’s set the standard in Europe’s top leagues, this is uncharted territory.  

Under Guardiola’s reign, the Cityzens have never appeared so deflated. And things could go from bad to worse if they stumble against bitter rivals Manchester United on Sunday. Already 8 points behind league leaders Liverpool, City’s grip on the Premier League crown is slipping fast. Dropping more points isn’t an option—they need a win, and they need it now. Sunday’s Manchester derby isn’t just about bragging rights; it’s about survival in a title race that’s threatening to leave them behind. 

Meanwhile, Manchester United hit rock bottom after their defeat to Nottingham Forest in Gameweek 15. With just 19 points from 15 matches, it’s their worst start to a league campaign since 1986—a grim coincidence considering that was just two games into Sir Alex Ferguson’s legendary tenure. Now, six games into Ruben Amorim’s stint as United manager, fans can’t help but wonder: is history repeating itself? Of course, following in Sir Alex’s footsteps at Old Trafford is no walk in the park. Plenty of managers have tried—and failed—to replicate his success. Right now, United are in disarray both on and off the pitch. Erik Ten Hag’s abrupt dismissal—despite a fresh contract extension in the summer—and Dan Ashworth’s quick exit as sporting director have painted a picture of chaos behind the scenes.  

It’s safe to say that the environment within the United organization isn’t conducive to winning football, and that’s precisely the challenge Ruben Amorim has been brought in to tackle. But let’s not sugarcoat it—he’s got a mountain to climb. Back-to-back losses to Nottingham Forest and Arsenal have laid bare the scale of the rebuild needed at Old Trafford.  This week, the task only gets tougher. Amorim’s United head to the Etihad to face the reigning Premier League champions. If Amorim is going to steady the ship, there’s no better place to start than a derby win. 

Manchester City vs Manchester United – Team News and Updates 

Manchester United’s injury woes are relatively minimal heading into the Manchester derby. Aside from the perpetually sidelined Luke Shaw, who has suffered a setback in his recovery from a calf injury, the Red Devils have a near-clean bill of health. Even Jonny Evans has returned to training and is likely to make the squad for Sunday’s showdown. 

Ruben Amorim’s early tenure has been defined by bold changes, and derby day is unlikely to be an exception. After underwhelming midweek displays, Joshua Zirkzee and Marcus Rashford could find themselves on the chopping block. The door is open for two of Rasmus Højlund, Mason Mount, or Alejandro Garnacho to step into the attack. Garnacho, in particular, has the pace and flair to give Kyle Walker—who hasn’t been at his best—a torrid time. Meanwhile, all eyes will be on Amorim’s decision regarding Leny Yoro, as fans wait to see if the youngster is ready for a stage as grand as this. 

Over in the City camp, defensive headaches are mounting for Pep Guardiola. Rico Lewis, who scored a stunning equaliser against Crystal Palace midweek, will miss the derby through suspension. He joins a lengthy list of absentees, including Rodri (ACL), Oscar Bobb (leg), Nathan Aké (thigh), Manuel Akanji (unspecified), and John Stones (foot), leaving City’s rearguard threadbare. Guardiola may be forced to turn to academy prospects, with Jahmai Simpson-Pusey a candidate at centre-back and Josh Wilson-Esbrand an option at left-back. Alternatively, Pep could tinker with formations, potentially deploying a back three with wing-backs. Amid the injury gloom, there’s a rare bright spot: Mateo Kovačić returned to the bench midweek and could bolster City’s midfield for the high-stakes clash. 

Manchester City vs Manchester United – Kick-Off Time and Date 

The game is scheduled to take place on 15th December 2024 (Sunday) at Etihad Stadium in Manchester. The match will kick off at 10:00 PM (Indian Standard Time).    

Also Read: Manchester City vs Manchester United Match Prediction, Fantasy Football Tips and Possible Starting Lineups