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City vs United: Predicting the Manchester United XI for the derby

By Prathamesh Murugesan

BERN, SWITZERLAND - SEPTEMBER 19: Paul Pogba of Manchester United celebrates after scoring a goal to make it 1-0 during the Group H match of the UEFA Champions League between BSC Young Boys and Manchester United at Stade de Suisse, Wankdorf on September 19, 2018 in Bern, Switzerland. (Photo by James Williamson - AMA/Getty Images)
BERN, SWITZERLAND - SEPTEMBER 19: Paul Pogba of Manchester United celebrates after scoring a goal to make it 1-0 during the Group H match of the UEFA Champions League between BSC Young Boys and Manchester United at Stade de Suisse, Wankdorf on September 19, 2018 in Bern, Switzerland. (Photo by James Williamson - AMA/Getty Images) /
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GK: David De Gea

De Gea has come under a lot of criticism this season, particularly following some poor performances for Spain at the World Cup.

But he’s been back to his best in recent games and pulled off some splendid saves against Juventus and Bournemouth. He’ll have his hands full against a City attack that is probably the best in Europe right now.

Sergio Aguero leads the Premier League’s goalscoring charts with 7, and Raheem Sterling is not far behind on 6. United have also uncharacteristically conceded 18 goals this season, and that doesn’t make for good reading ahead of the toughest away fixture of the season.

CB: Chris Smalling

Chris Smalling has started every Premier League match for United since the 3-2 away defeat to Brighton, and he is probably going to retain his spot.

It’s quite incredible that a player as prone to errors as Smalling has managed to complete 8 seasons at Old Trafford as a fairly regular player.

This season, he’s probably been one of the weakest links in the back line, but Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo are still out with injuries, and Mourinho clearly doesn’t trust Eric Bailly after the debacle at the Amex Stadium.

To be fair to the 28-year-old, he is a pretty solid defender when he is on form. The problem is that he often isn’t.

Smalling did score the winner in that 3-2 win at the Etihad last season, and Mourinho will be hoping for a similar contribution this time as well.

CB: Victor Lindelof

The 24-year-old Swede was unconvincing in his first season at Old Trafford, but has looked much better in his second one.

He’s probably one of the first names on Mourinho’s team sheet these days. Like Smalling, he is still prone to errors in judgement, but more than often not, he’s quite dependable and a solid presence at the back.

One of his best performances was during the 1-0 home defeat to Juventus, where he impressed against an attack that had Ronaldo and Paulo Dybala.

Unlike Smalling, he’s also good on the ball, and his calmness and composure will be tested against a City side that presses high after losing possession.

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