Manchester Derby Preview : Pep and Jose Face Off

All eyes will be on Old Trafford as Man United and City battle it out in the Premier League. Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola will also renew their intense rivalry in what is set to a fiery Manchester derby.

Guardiola has to make do without Sergio Aguero who begins a three match ban for violent conduct after he was found to have elbowed Winston Reid. Aguero has scored three goals this season and Pep will have to find someone to fill his boots with Kelechi Iheanacho being the obvious choice. The young Nigerian is yet to register a goal this season but scored on international duty and will be hoping to translate that form to the derby.

Jose Mourinho on the other hand has a virtually fully fit squad to pick from with the exception of Mkhitaryan who picked up an injury while representing Armenia. The former Dortmund man hasn’t started a game this season and Mourinho has ample cover should he not make it. With their power in midfield and goals both on the pitch and on the bench, United will prove a dangerous proposition for City.

The key battle will be in midfield with Manchester United’s power pitted up against City’s guile and craft. Paul Pogba has been impressive on his return to Old Trafford while Marouane Fellaini has been somewhat of a revelation under Mourinho. Together they have combined to bully their opponents and will be hoping to do the same against their noisy neighbors. City on the other hand have Raheem Sterling, Kevin De Bruyne and David Silva. All three ooze creativity and in Sterling, they have a willing runner who has his swagger back and is beginning to justify the £49m price-tag City paid for him.

The match will see a number of debutants to the Manchester Derby with both managers taking a bow. Their exploits in La Liga are well documented and their rivalry is the stuff of legend. It’s a tough match to call and anyone could take it but a score draw seems to be the safest bet. It will take a brave man to pick a winner out of this one at this early stage. Bragging rights are on the line, game on!