CITY’S FLAMBOYANCE VERSUS UNITED’S GRIT

The rivalry between United and City dates back to Victorian times but has never been as intense as it is today. HT looks at a few talking points:

COMEBACK MEN

Quite like the Manchester United of the past, Jose Mourinho seems to have inculcated a ‘fight till the end’ mentality in the current lot. In the past couple of weeks, United came from two goals down to win against Newcastle, drew against Chelsea despite trailing 1-0 in the first half, beat Bournemouth 2-1 after conceding early and struck twice at the death to surprise Juventus 2-1 in the Champions League.

POROUS DEFENCE

The last time United kept a clean sheet in the league was back in September when they beat Burnley 2-0. Since then, they have conceded 11 goals in seven games while scoring 13. Against City’s free-flowing style, United’s backline have to give it their best to thwart the champions.

RELENTLESS CITY

Table-toppers City have been relentless with their attacking brand of football this season. They rank first on every measure that matters. They have scored the most goals, had the most shots on target and have created most number of chances. Sergio Aguero and Raheem Sterling have done well in front scoring 13 goals between them.

City have also plugged their holes in defence, conceding only four goals and keeping clean sheets seven times. Much of the credit for it goes to centre-back pairing of Aymeric Laporte and John Stones who have kept things pretty tight at the back.

RAMPANT HOSTS, VISITORS UNBEATEN

Manchester City have been splendid at the Etihad Stadium this season. They’re unbeaten in the league, and have pumped in 24 goals while conceding just thrice. However, United have an edge over City in recent head-to-head clashes. While Red Devils have emerged triumphant in four out of their last eight meetings, the Citizens have won only two matches in the same period. United also won the last meeting between these two sides at the Etihad in April. Since then, though, City have won eight of the nine games at home, including all six this season.

INJURY WOES FOR CITY

Romelu Lukaku is back in training after missing out the last two games while Marouane Fellaini came on as a substitute in Turin. Antonio Valencia, too, is back in training and might be part of the derby but Diogo Dalot is certain to sit out. City, however, will miss the services of Kevin de Bruyne, Claudio Bravo and Eliaquim Mangala. There are also doubts over Nicolas Otamendi and Ilkay Gundogan.