Man City vs Man United: Five key battles that could decide the Manchester derby | OneFootball

Manchester City face Manchester United in the Premier League at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Read on as we look at five key battles that could determine the outcome of the fixture.

Erling Braut Haaland vs Matthijs de Ligt

De Ligt has enjoyed a brilliant start to the season, winning the joint-most number of aerial duels (17) in the league alongside Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk.

Haaland has scored three goals in as many league games this term. He has tallied six goals and three assists in eight games against United.

De Ligt came out on top in his duel with Arsenal’s Viktor Gyokeres, but Haaland will pose a different test.

Ruben Dias vs Benjamin Sesko

Sesko is set to get his first start for Man United following the injury to Matheus Cunha, who spearheaded the attack in the first three league games.

He is set to face Dias, who should return to the starting line-up after being dropped for the City’s defeat at Brighton.

Rodri vs Bryan Mbeumo

Mbeumo scored in his last two appearances for Man United and was voted the club’s August Player of the Month.

With Mbeumo dropping between the lines, Rodri will seek to stop him. The Cameroonian has yet to score against the Cityzens and will be keen to end that run on Sunday.

Jeremy Doku vs Noussair Mazraoui

Mazraoui could start at right wing-back, which would put him up against Doku. The latter is expected to replace Omar Marmoush as City’s left winger.

The pair faced each other in last season’s Manchester derby. Doku is one of Europe’s best dribblers, and Mazraoui is a good one-on-one defender, making this contest potentially intriguing.

Casemiro vs Tijjani Reijnders

Reijnders got off to a flying start, scoring and assisting in Man City’s 4-0 victory at Wolverhampton Wanderers on the opening weekend.

The 27-year-old likes to arrive late in the box to score and is adept at making key passes.

Casemiro will likely start as the deepest-lying midfielder for Man United and must keep the Netherlands international under control.