Image copyright: Getty Images
2023/24 English Premier League
Matchday 27
Manchester City v Manchester United
Etihad Stadium
Manchester, England
Sunday, 3 March 2024
Kick-off is at 17h30
Manchester United will need to improve massively if they hope to avoid a massacre at the hands of Manchester City in the 192nd Manchester derby at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, March 3.
The Red Devils have been making a concerted push for a top-four finish in recent weeks after winning four games on the spin for the first time this season to close within five points of the UEFA Champions League places.
But Erik ten Hag's side were abysmal in a 2-1 defeat to Fulham at Old Trafford on February 24, which saw Alex Iwobi score a dramatic 97th-minute winner after Harry Maguire had equalised in the 89th minute to cancel out Calvin Bassey's 65th-minute opener.
It left United eight points adrift of Aston Villa, who strengthened their hold on fourth position with a 4-2 victory over Nottingham Forest at Villa Park to go five clear of Tottenham (5th).
The Citizens kept the pressure on
Premier League leaders Liverpool as they edged Bournemouth 1-0 at the Vitality Stadium to cut the gap to the summit to just one point.
Phil Foden scored the only goal of the game in the 24th minute to extend City's unbeaten run in the league to 11 matches, keeping them a point ahead of Arsenal, who maintained their own impressive form with a 4-1 win over Newcastle at the Emirates Stadium.
United's recent record against their neighbours isn't great though, having won just four of their previous 10 league encounters and losing 3-0 in the reverse fixture at Old Trafford on October 29.
Image copyright: Getty Images
In team news, City manager Pep Guardiola has an almost fully-fit squad at his disposal, with Josko Gvardiol (ankle) the only absentee. Ten Hag has no such luxury as he is without five first-team regulars in Luke Shaw (thigh), Lisandro Martinez (knee), Rasmus Hojlund (muscular), Mason Mount (calf) and Casemiro (head), while Anthony Martial (groin), Tyrell Malacia (knee) and Aaron Wan-Bissaka are also unavailable.
Guardiola showered his players with praise for putting in a shift against the Cherries just four days after they had faced Brentford in a catch-up game.
"I adore my players - they are supermen. They are so good. Where we come from for many years, playing every three days - they [Bournemouth] had seven days to prepare for the game and we always have less," the Spaniard told Sky Sports.
"So when people say, you play in the same conditions in the Premier League, no, no - we don't have the same equality, we have much more games than the rest to play, and this is a tough place to come, they are a fantastic team, they won 3-0 at Old Trafford.
"We demand too much of our players but they respond. I know people say 'they earn a lot of money' but it (the schedule) is too much. Honestly.
"But business must go on and it surprises me every time how we are still there, they have an incredible character and are so competitive even when they are tired, they give extra. Our fans have to be so proud of these guys."
Image copyright: Getty Images
Ten Hag believes United are making strides despite suffering their 10th defeat of the season and insists they will present a stronger challenge when all of their players are fully fit.
"We have to catch up in many positions. We have to recover the injuries, then we will be more balanced," the Dutchman said.
"We have to also strengthen the squad in the transfer window. Many good players are coming up with really high potential. Definitely we are [heading] in the right direction. When we have the players available, we have a very good team."
Head-to-Head (Last Five Premier League Meetings)
Matches - 5
Man City wins - 4
Man United wins - 1
Draws - 0
Premier League Matchday 27 fixtures:
Saturday, March 2
17h00: Brentford v Chelsea
17h00: Everton v West Ham United
17h00: Fulham v Brighton & Hove Albion
17h00: Newcastle United vWolverhampton Wanderers
17h00: Nottingham Forest v Liverpool
17h00: Tottenham Hotspur v Crystal Palace
19h30: Luton Town v Aston Villa
Sunday, March 3
15h00: Burnley v Bournemouth
17h30: Manchester City v Manchester United
Monday, March 4
22h00: Sheffield United v Arsenal
Bet on the English Premier League
Kick off your sports betting journey & place a winning bet with our exciting Sports Welcome Offer where you’ll get up to R1,000 as a Free Bet when you make your first deposit.
Stand to win big with Live Games
Enjoy your favourite Live Casino Games from as little as R1 per bet with massive winning potential of up to R5 million on some selected games. Unlock all your favourite Live Games today and take a seat at your favourite tables to take on the dealer head-on.
For all the latest sports news, betting tips and promotions follow Betway on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram