Big Match Breakdown: Manchester United v Manchester City

This could shape the rest of the season

It may only be December but Sunday’s Manchester derby could define the rest of this season’s title race.

If Manchester City secure a record 14th straight league win in a single campaign, they’ll be 11 points clear at the top of the table. It’s very hard to see anyone catching them from that position.

A United win would see the gap close to five points. And that could make things very interesting.

It’s shaping up to the biggest game of the season so far and the Coral News Team have all the info you need.

Head-to-head

United are on a 24-game unbeaten run at home in the league. But City have scored more goals at Old Trafford than any other away side (27).

In the last five seasons, City have had a slight edge over their rivals in the derby. They’ve won five games, while United have won three.

Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho also know each other well. They worked together at Barcelona in the 1990s before becoming managerial rivals at Barcelona and Real Madrid respectively. Guardiola has won eight of the 19 meetings between the two managers. Mourinho has won four of them.

Likely XIs

With doubts over Marouane Fellaini’s fitness, Mourinho could go for a back three to have safety in numbers in defence.

Ander Herrera is likely to come in for the suspended Paul Pogba. The industrious Spaniard could be very effective against City’s possession-based approach.

Guardiola’s biggest call will be over who to start in attack. Aguero’s experience could see him get the nod over Gabriel Jesus.