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

Man City vs Man United Preview: Donnarumma Set for Etihad Debut

Manchester City prepare to host Manchester United at the Etihad Stadium this Sunday, in what promises to be a pulsating Premier League clash. Pep Guardiola has confirmed that new signing Gianluigi Donnarumma, acquired for £26 million on deadline day, will be involved for the Manchester derby.

Guardiola emphasised the confidence he has in the Italian goalkeeper, saying, “Gigi’s a 26-year-old with incredible experience. He’s so tall and so huge. All keepers want to save balls and give confidence to the team and personality and he’s a big presence on the bigger stages. In many games he proved how good he is. He will concede goals that’s for sure, but we’re all going to try to help him.”

Donnarumma’s inclusion signals Guardiola’s intent to field his strongest possible XI, particularly after a mixed start to the season. The Premier League fixture comes at a crucial juncture as City seek to maintain momentum and reassert their dominance over local rivals.

Team News and Injury Updates

City face several absences ahead of the clash. Mohamed Marmoush, Rayan Ait-Nouri, Ryan Cherki, and Mateo Kovacic are all unavailable, while Nathan Aké and Josko Gvardiol could feature after recovering from knocks. Ruben Dias and Rico Lewis are pushing for recalls after substitute appearances in the previous match at Brighton, and Rodri is expected to start for a second consecutive game despite limited minutes for Spain during the international break.

Manchester United, meanwhile, arrive at the Etihad with their own injury concerns. Specific updates from United’s camp remain limited, but the Red Devils will be aiming to disrupt City’s rhythm and capitalise on the derby atmosphere.

Photo @ManCity on X

Predicted Man City Lineup

Guardiola is expected to deploy a balanced formation, blending defensive solidity with attacking threat. The predicted XI is:

Donnarumma; Rico Lewis, Ruben Dias, Aké, Gvardiol; Rodri, Reijnders, Silva; Bobb, Haaland, Doku.

Injured players: Cherki, Ait-Nouri, KovacicDoubts: Stones

Phil Foden, after a slow start to the campaign, will hope to play a more decisive role, while City’s forwards, led by Erling Haaland, remain central to their attacking ambitions.

Match Timing and Viewing Information

The Manchester derby kicks off at 4.30pm BST on Sunday, September 14, 2025. Coverage will be available live on Sky Sports.

Fans can expect a tense encounter at the Etihad, with Donnarumma making his Premier League debut, and both clubs vying for crucial points in the early stages of the season. This fixture remains one of the most anticipated in the Premier League calendar, combining historical rivalry with present-day stakes.