Manchester United team news: The expected line-up vs Man City

It is the derby where Manchester United cannot win. Defeat would move local rivals Manchester City to another Premier League title while victory would almost certainly hand it to Liverpool.

Nevertheless, after a series of six defeats in eight games and Champions League qualification starting to slip away, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will obviously be desperate for a win.

The United boss is boosted therefore by the return of Luke Shaw who is available again after missing the last three games through suspension.

Read more: Man Utd vs Man City: Kick-off time, TV channel, team news, odds and prediction

While the left-back is almost certain to start, owing to the dreadful run of form, there is a real selection headache – particularly in midfield.

Here’s how we think Solskjaer’s side could line up…

Defence

The only real certainties here are David De Gea in goal and Luke Shaw at left-back. Phil Jones is a doubt after hobbling off in Sunday’s 4-0 defeat at Everton but Eric Bailly and Antonio Valencia are pushing to be available again.

The most likely centre-back partnership are Victor Lindelof and Chris Smalling while the experience of Ashley Young means he could get the nod over Diogo Dalot.

Midfield

None have really covered themselves in glory in recent weeks and coming up against this City midfield is a nightmare for even the best of teams.

Paul Pogba is the most certain starter and Solskjaer could be tempted to bring Ander Herrera back in for some extra bite if he omits the young Scott McTominay.

Fred was hauled off at half-time against Everton suggesting Solskjaer favours Nemanja Matic despite the midfielder’s admission of his poor performance after the game.

Attack

Again there only seems one certain starter, with Marcus Rashford likely to make up one of the front three.

Jesse Lingard did not feature against Everton but has popped up with goals in big matches and could be given the nod here to provide some extra legs when United are on the backfoot.

Romelu Lukaku could start up front alongside Rashford, with Alexis Sanchez an alternative wide option.