Manchester United are in the best shape they have been all season ahead of the Manchester derby, winning eight consecutive games and keeping five clean sheets in the process.
Rivals City have been a dealt more difficult hand since the World Cup. They have picked up some important results, including a 3-2 win over Liverpool in the Carabao Cup and back to back wins against Chelsea, but their momentum was deflated in their most recent game against Southampton, a 2-0 defeat in the Carabao Cup.
City boss Pep Guardiola said this week he had some “ridiculous ideas” for the derby. What those plans turn out to be exactly is yet to be seen, but getting the best of these key battles will go some way to deciding the fate of the match…
Marcus Rashford vs Kyle Walker
Marcus Rashford is in the form of his life and a scary prospect for any Premier League defence.
“Nobody can stop him when he is like he was tonight,” was the verdict from Everton boss Frank Lampard after his side lost 3-1 to United in the FA Cup last weekend.
Rashford ran the show against Everton and is likely to be the main threat for United against City in the derby.
Tasked with keeping tabs on him will be Kyle Walker, who has been used in various positions across the backline this season to great effect. Whether it is at full-back or at right centre-back as part of a back three, Walker’s experience will be key against Rashford, who is United’s top scorer this season with seven league goals.
As well as goals Rashford has enjoyed an impressive uptick in his underlying numbers from last season. He is averaging more shots per 90 (2.67), generating better chances (0.37 xG per 90) and has been much better with his conversion as well. Those numbers and the performances are encouraging for Erik ten Hag and Walker will have to keep a close eye on his England teammate.
Casemiro vs Kevin de Bruyne
Casemiro only played a bit-part role after coming on as a substitute the last time these two sides met in a 6-3 defeat for United shortly after his transfer from Real Madrid. This time around, however, he is expected to play from the start and his match up against Kevin de Bruyne will be key.
The Brazil international has formed a solid base alongside Christian Eriksen in United’s midfield and has provided the defensive cover that United’s centre-backs have previously lacked with the likes of Scott McTominay and Fred.
Ten Hag has spoken highly of Casemiro’s influence at United. “My analysis before the season was we needed that [No] 6 position and he is fulfilling that position,” the manager said recently. “I am really happy for Manchester United, for this team to have him because he is really raising the limits for Manchester United.”
As for De Bruyne, he is leading the league for every creative metric that comes to mind and if City are to dominate in attack like they have done previously against United, the Belgian will be source of it all.
Since the arrival of Erling Haaland in the summer, De Bruyne has formed an instant connection with him and the Norwegian has given all of City’s creativity a singular clinical destination to find.
De Bruyne leads the Premier League for chances created in open-play per 90 (2.63), whilst also generating the most expected assists (xA) through his passes (0.45) and also has the most chance creating ball carries in the league (27), all according to Opta.
All of this makes for a tasty clash between Casemiro and De Bruyne: immovable object versus unstoppable force.
Antony vs Joao Cancelo
Joao Cancelo had a night to forget at right-back against Southampton and has been hit and miss of late for Manchester City but Guardiola may choose to persist with him against United in the derby.
At left-back Cancelo helps City dominate the midfield with his ability to come inside and occupy central spaces. He is also able to cut in onto his right and deliver crosses into the box. When limited to offensive duties, Cancelo is still one of the best full-backs in the world and has two goals and five assists in all competitions to show for it.
The Portuguese international will be up against Antony, who has impressed in cup fixtures of late for United, scoring against both Charlton in the Carabao Cup and Everton in the FA Cup.
He has come in for some criticism over his performances in the league but his work rate off the ball and security in possession helps United’s ability to maintain pressure on the opposition and allows his full-back Diogo Dalot the freedom to go forward and help attack spaces in wide areas.
The form of both Cancelo and Antony makes for an interesting battle in this one and could yet be a deciding factor in the outcome of the derby.
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