The Etihad stadium is host of the world football today in which the Manchester City is playing against Manchester United at 18:30 EAT. It is a matter of history, pride and boasting rights and both the managers have pre-conditioned the battle that is hot.

Pep Guardiola believes in his stars despite the injury issue. He was categorical on striker Erling Haaland, who netted five goals on national duty.

“I could not replace Erling with anyone; he is a likeable person. I like him,” Pep said.

The other nice evaluation he came up with was that of new goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma who arrived from PSG.

“Another is Donnarumma, a physical man, he is a great shot-stopper. He gives us something else,” he added.

City is a well-liked team, they have an experienced squad, and they are difficult to keep out of the house with their firepower as well.
United manager Ruben Amorim could not afford to be brought down by a triple injury blow for Cunha, Mount and Dalot.

In attestation whereof, that Altay Bayindir will start in goal adding that his team is different and more comprehensive.

“Here we shall have Altay who is my goalkeeper. We are more of a team, you see some part, the data, we are a different team,” Amorim said.

Amorim said his players want all the three points and they will try to control possession against City.

“We must have the ball also, I will be trying to do it.”He believes that is important if the players really want to win,” he added.

Derby Record

Last season (2024/2025), surprisingly Manchester United beat City 2-1courtesy of Bruno Fernandez’s penalty and Amad’s last-minute goal.

The second leg ended in a goalless draw.

The two also met in last season’s Community Shield, where City won on penalties.

The match ended 1–1 in regular time after Garnacho scored in the 82nd minute, but Bernardo Silva equalized in the 89th minute.

Manuel Akanji scored the decisive penalty after Jadon Sancho and Jonny Evans missed.

Key Battles

Haaland vs DeLigt- Strength vs resilience.

Rodri vs. Casemiro The battle of anchor midfielders.

Bruno Fernandes vs Bernando Silva -Creativity on both sides.

Predictions

City is at 65.6 of winning, 16 United and 18 draw. The X fan discourse trends to 2-0/2-1 to City

The night derby at 18:30 EAT must be dramatic, tension filled and another surprise in the back yard of City does not exclude the possibility as well.