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In what could be a massive clash, Manchester rivals Manchester United and Manchester City face off at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon in the Premier League.
The clash is about more than just bragging rights this time around, as the visitors are currently eight points clear at the top of the Premier League.
United are the Citizens nearest rivals for the Premier League title this season.
The Red Devils know that a defeat in this clash would make it very difficult to win the title this season, despite the relatively early stage of the campaign.
Manchester United have a formidable home record
Jose Mourinho’s United will be confident of beating City and shortening the Citizens lead, largely due to their formidable home record. Mourinho’s side are now 40 games undefeated in all competitions, 24 of which have been in the English top-flight.
In fact, the home side have now won eight consecutive home games at Old Trafford on home soil. A big factor for United in that good home run is their recent defensive record. The Red Devils have conceded just once in their last eight home games in the league while keeping seven clean sheets.
The one negative for United heading into the game is that City were the last opposition team to win at Old Trafford, recording a 2-1 victory early last season.
City set to test that record
If there is one team in the league that have the ability to threaten that unbeaten run at Old Trafford, it is Manchester City. Pep Guardiola’s side have won 14 of their 15 Premier League games this season and are playing like champions.
The Citizens suffered their first defeat of the campaign last time out, losing 2-1 against Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League in midweek. Guardiola decided to rest a number of his first-choice starters against the Ukrainian side, though and field fringe players.
The Citizens have recorded 13 straight wins in the top-flight, while their away record is not terrible either. Guardiola’s side have now won eight league games on the trot on their travels in the top-flight.
The visitors have been lethal in front of goal this season, scoring two or more goals in 12 of the last 13 games. Unlike most other sides away at one of their biggest rivals, Manchester City are unlikely to change their style of play. The Citizens are likely to go for the win from the off.
Difficult game to call
This clash is one of the most difficult games of the season to predict. There is very little in the betting between these two teams. However, the visitors head into the clash as slight favourites to record a potential massive victory this weekend.
Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has a history of recording wins in big games on home soil. However, just one win from six meetings with his opposite number is not a great record. Whether that record improves this weekend only time will tell. Either way the result could have a massive impact on the Premier League title race.
Who will come out on top in the Manchester derby?
