ANKARA
Struggling Manchester clubs, Manchester City and Manchester United, will face off in the English Premier League week 16 derby on Sunday.
After failing to win seven out of 15 league games, City boss Pep Guardiola will take on new United manager Ruben Amorim’s side, which are in their lowest spot after 15 rounds of matches since 1986-87.
However, many City players sustained injuries, including Mateo Kovacic, Phil Foden, Manuel Akanji, Nathan Ake, and John Stones, with Rodri ruled out for three months.
Rodri is expected to be out of action until March due to an injured anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus sustained in Manchester City’s 2-2 Premier League draw with Arsenal earlier this season.
Kovacic, Foden, Akanji, Ake, and Stones are all doubtful to be included in the upcoming derby.
Cultured midfielder Kevin De Bruyne’s return from his hamstring muscle injury last month may boost the Sky Blues chances to score from a set piece in the upcoming clash.
However, the Red Devils have a statistically better defensive display in the set pieces since Amorim took over.
Almost two months ago, Amorim helmed a 4-1 victory for Sporting Lisbon against Guardiola’s team in the UEFA Champions League match in Lisbon, and he will aim to repeat this success in the upcoming clash.
Also, there are no notable injuries in the United squad.
Last season’s treble-winning champions, Manchester City, are in the 4th spot with 27 points, while Manchester United lay in the 13th spot with 19 points.
Premier League week 16 fixtures are as below:
Saturday
Arsenal vs. Everton
Liverpool vs. Fulham
Newcastle United vs. Leicester City
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. Ipswich Town
Nottingham Forest vs. Aston Villa
Sunday
Brighton & Hove Albion vs. Crystal Palace
Manchester City vs. Manchester United
Chelsea vs. Brentford
Southampton vs. Tottenham Hotspur
Monday
Bournemouth vs. West Ham United
