Manchester United vs Manchester City

Manchester Derby Preview

Match details

Kick-off: September 14 2025, 16:30 BST
Stadium: Etihad Stadium

Confirmed lineups

Manchester City (4-3-3)

• Goalkeeper: G. Donnarumma
• Defenders: A. Khusanov, Rúben Dias, J. Gvardiol, N. O'Reilly
• Midfielders: Bernardo Silva, Rodrigo Hernández Cascante, T. Reijnders
• Forwards: E. Haaland, J. Doku

Manchester United (3-4-2-1)

• Goalkeeper: Altay Bayındır
• Defenders: L. Yoro, M. de Ligt, L. Shaw
• Midfielders: N. Mazraoui, Bruno Fernandes, M. Ugarte, P. Dorgu
• Forwards: A. Diallo, B. Mbeumo, B. Šeško

Missing players

Manchester City will be without A. Khusanov (calf injury), J. Gvardiol (contusion), R. Cherki (thigh problems), R. Lewis (wound), Sávio (wound), P. Foden (wound), M. Kovačić (Achilles tendon problems), K. Phillips (Achilles tendon problems), M. Bettinelli (contusion), Omar Marmoush (jumper's knee), and J. Stones (muscle bruise). These absences may significantly affect their strategy and depth on the pitch.

Manchester United will miss Matheus Cunha (wound), Diogo Dalot (muscle bruise), and Lisandro Martínez (jumper's knee) as they seek to navigate this crucial fixture.

Match background

This highly anticipated clash features Manchester City currently languishing in 16th place with only 3 points, while Manchester United sits slightly better at 11th with 4 points. Both teams are looking to revitalize their campaigns in the Premier League.

Recent form

Manchester City has struggled recently, recording two losses followed by a win, leading to a total of 3 points from their first three matches. They have scored just 5 goals while conceding 4, indicating defensive vulnerabilities.

Manchester United managed to secure a win followed by a draw before a recent loss, totaling 4 points from three matches. They have scored 4 goals but have also conceded 4, highlighting inconsistency in both attack and defense.

Head-to-head record

• April 6, 2025: Manchester United 0 - 0 Manchester City
• December 15, 2024: Manchester City 1 - 2 Manchester United
• March 3, 2024: Manchester City 3 - 1 Manchester United

Prediction

This match promises to be a tight contest given the current form of both squads. With both teams missing key players, a cautious approach is expected. Betting tip: Under 2.5 Goals, reflecting recent goal-scoring struggles for both teams.