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Premier League
Apr 7, 2018 at 5.30pm UK
 
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2-3

Kompany (25'), Gundogan (30')
FT(HT: 2-0)
Pogba (53', 55'), Smalling (69')

How Manchester United could line up against Manchester City

Sports Mole looks at the starting lineup Jose Mourinho may go with for Manchester United's meeting with Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.

There will be more than just bragging rights on the line at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday evening, as Manchester City have the chance to win the Premier League title with victory against Manchester United.

The Citizens are chasing a fifth top-flight crown, and their third in seven seasons, which they will achieve in a record time should they come out on top this weekend.

Man United would love nothing more than to delay that title party, and their form heading into the match - four league wins in a row, their best since January 2017 - suggests that they could leave the home of their rivals with at least a point.

Here, Sports Mole looks at the options available to Jose Mourinho heading into the huge showdown.


Predicted Manchester United XI vs. Man City

Out: Sergio Romero (knee), Daley Blind (ankle)
Doubtful: Phil Jones (hamstring)

Mourinho went with just one recognised defensive midfielder against Swansea City last time out, using Nemanja Matic to protect the back four, but he will surely take a more conservative approach this weekend.

Should that be the case, Ander Herrera, Scott McTominay, Michael Carrick, Marouane Fellaini and Paul Pogba are the possible options to join Matic, with the latter being given a 90-minute runout against the Swans and producing an improved showing.

Another player to put in a positive display in that comfortable recent victory was forward Alexis Sanchez, who bagged a goal and an assist to double his previous tally in that regard since arriving from Arsenal in the winter window.

A start on the right of a front three can therefore be expected here, with Mourinho no longer needing to rotate following his side's shock Champions League exit last month, while 25-goal striker Romelu Lukaku and in-form Jesse Lingard are also in contention to get the nod.

The back four, any last-minute injury issues aside, will pretty much pick itself as Eric Bailly is likely to get the nod to partner Chris Smalling in the heart of the back four.

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Phil Jones in action for Manchester United on January 1, 2018
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