Potential Lineups: Manchester United vs Manchester City
REUTERS/Phil Noble
The Mancunian giants are set to clash, and the globe will spectate with great relish.
Sunday night’s derby will set the Premier League table onto a definite path, with Manchester City either cementing their dominance or Manchester United reigniting the dying flame in a title race that is eerily one-sided leading up to Christmas.
What is crucial in this Old Trafford encounter is that both sides get over their tribulations, particularly in injuries, and set up a fixture that won’t disappoint. Here’s how the Mancunian titans are apt to play:
Manchester City:
The Sky Blues have been playing it real close as of late, with several injury-time winners proving to be the saving grace that has kept their eight-point lead aloft.
However, the Citizens might be without David Silva, a player who had been instrumental in their most recent theft of points. It is likely, however, that his alleged injury is mind games being employed by Guardiola, and that the mid-week rest given to him might suffice for a start on Sunday.
On the other hand, Vincent Kompany is the player that is in most doubt, and it is likely that Mangala will be given the start alongside Otamendi instead. Benjamin Mendy remains the only assured drop by virtue of his long-term injury.
The most-likely starting line-up:
Goalkeeper: Ederson
Defenders: Delph, Mangala, Otamendi, Walker
Midfielders: David Silva, Fernandinho, De Bruyne
Forwards: Sane, Aguero, Sterling
Formation: 4-3-3
READ MORE: Shocking: Manchester Derby In Danger Of Being Called Off
Manchester United:
Reuters / Phil Noble
Jose Mourinho wasn’t one to mince words during his press conference, and was outright in his declaration: “You want the truth or what do you want? You want the truth.
“The truth is Eric Bailly no chance for the weekend, Phil Jones a chance, [Marouane] Fellaini a chance, Zlatan [Ibrahimovic] a big chance and [Nemanja] Matic is injured but will play for sure. [Michael] Carrick no chance.”
The most daunting absence is that of Paul Pogba, who will be suspended due to his red card against Arsenal last week. Ander Herrera will be given the responsibility of starting and making a firm impact akin to his performance last season.
Meanwhile, Lingard’s run of good games might make him eligible in Mourinho’s eyes for the big game, and his presence might just add enough of the creative factor to tip the game in United’s favor.
Rashford’s performance during the mid-week Champions League game will earn him the edge over Martial when it comes to starting. The Frenchman could prove to be more valuable as an impact substitute, as he has been for so much of the season already.
Lastly, it will most likely be the final chance for Lukaku to regain his form before Ibrahimović is provided with regular chances, and the Belgian better take it up in the best fashion.
The most-likely starting line-up:
Goalkeeper: De Gea
Defenders: Jones, Smalling, Lindelof
Midfielders: Valencia, Herrera, Matic, Young
Forwards: Rashford, Lukaku, Lingard
Formation: 3-4-3
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Written by Naveen Kelvin 
A writer trying to craft the poetry within football. Purpose in life is to Make Good Art.