Finally here we are. The Manchester Derby, one of the most anticipated matches of every season, is almost upon us. There is a fight for the top of the standings, currently occupied by another big like Tottenham. United and City arrive at the derby with a game to recover and in profoundly different psychological conditions.
The "Red Devils" were eliminated in the Champions League by Leipzig and the international efforts will continue only in the Europa League. A real thud for the band of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who after two years of honorable service in which he had to try to do better than Mourinho risks being exempted. All this despite the string of successes that allowed United to reach 6th place, just a few points from the first. On the other hand, the English mentality is this. The premature exit from the Champions League cannot take a back seat. At the very least, there will be the advantage of playing the Derby at home, at Old Trafford.
Manchester City, on the other hand, have one point less than United, but clearly travels on the wings of enthusiasm, considering that in the Champions League they have already won the next round for a few weeks. The team coached by Pep Guardiola had started badly in the league, then started a slow recovery and has not suffered any goals recently. The running-in phase therefore seems to be over and the "Citizens"Are ready to attempt the assault on the top of the list. Approaching the leaders by beating the eternal rivals would be the ultimate confidence boost for Aguero & co.
Although the forecasts are in favor of the guests, the insiders hope for a balanced match. At home i "Red Devils" they perform less than when they are away from friendly walls, while the City struggles away. There is another detail not to be underestimated: Manchester United has gnawed several points, often overturning the result with memorable comebacks. maybe Mourinho left some of his blatant bad luck on the bench, which is still having an effect on his former players long ago.
In a spectacular match like the one we are about to attend, it cannot be ruled out that the presence of wide spaces until the end does not allow spectators to witness a large number of goals. History and curiosities about the famous Manchester Derby clearly explain the atmosphere around this match. In 2020 United and City have already met 3 times between the Premier League and the EFL Cup: the "Red Devils”They boast 2 successes, although one was made useless by City's victory in the first leg of the cup semi-finals. In the league, the last joy of the "Citizens" at Old Trafford dates back to 2019.
Who they will bet on Sunshine e Guardiola this time? Manchester United should miss Cavani, Jones and Martial. With McTominay and Fred there is not much room for former Juve Paul Pogba. Rashford, Bruno Fernandes and Mata will have to accompany Greenwood. For the City, on the other hand, Gundogan is in doubt, who in the event could play the starter with Rodri. The rear guard should consist of Cancelo, Dias, Stones and Walker. Mahrez, De Bruyne and Sterling should be sure of the spot, but there could be a ballot between Gabriel Jesus and "Kun" Aguero. Regardless of who will be the owners, however, the fun seems already guaranteed. Who will win one of the last best matches of 2020?