Man City Starting XI vs Man United: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup | OneFootball

Man City head to Old Trafford under pressure

Manchester City arrive at Old Trafford for the latest chapter of the Manchester derby carrying a sense of vulnerability that has been unfamiliar for much of the past decade. Injuries have bitten deeply, form has wobbled, and the Premier League title race is beginning to drift beyond immediate reach. Six points separate City from leaders Arsenal, a gap shaped as much by absence as by performance.

For Manchester United, this fixture represents opportunity. For City, it feels like a test of resilience, adaptability, and faith in a squad stretched thin by circumstance.

Defensive shortages shape Guardiola’s choices

The clearest issue for Man City lies at the back. Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol and John Stones are all ruled out long term, stripping Pep Guardiola of his preferred central defensive options. Nathan Ake and Abdukodir Khusanov are left as the only senior centre-backs available, with Max Alleyne recalled from his loan spell at Watford to bolster numbers.

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That fragility has accelerated City’s movement in the transfer market. Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi is edging closer to the Etihad, with Oliver Glasner confirming the Eagles captain’s switch was at the “final stages”. It is rare for City to appear so exposed in such a crucial area, and rarer still on the eve of a Manchester derby.

Matheus Nunes is expected to continue at right-back, with Ake shifting centrally alongside Khusanov. Nico O’Reilly should return to left-back, allowing Rodri to resume his familiar role in front of the defence after carefully managed minutes in midweek.

Midfield rotation and attacking questions

Guardiola’s rotation policy has been clear in recent weeks. Rodri’s gradual reintegration continued against Newcastle, while Bernardo Silva was asked to shoulder a full 90 minutes. Phil Foden, operating as a right-sided No8, was withdrawn after an hour, a reminder that City are managing workloads as much as opponents.

Tijjani Reijnders could be trusted from the start against Man United, offering control and tempo. Rayan Cherki’s cameo at St James’ Park, capped by a goal, has strengthened his case for greater involvement, while Jeremy Doku remains a disruptive option from wide areas.

Erling Haaland leads the line, searching for sharper rhythm after one goal in six matches. City still create chances, but the margin for waste feels slimmer than usual.

Derby context and predicted Man City XI

Manchester derbies often ignore form, yet context matters. United will sense uncertainty, City will rely on structure. With Omar Marmoush unavailable due to AFCON duty and Nico Gonzalez facing a late fitness test, Guardiola’s options are limited but defined.

Predicted Man City XI (4-1-4-1): Donnarumma, Nunes, Khusanov, Ake, O’Reilly, Rodri, Semenyo, Silva, Reijnders, Doku, Haaland.