Manchester CityPremier LeagueManchester United

Manchester City face Manchester United in the 28th round of the Premier League. Although difficult, the Citizens beat Everton 1-0 last weekend and increased their lead over Liverpool by six points. However, the Merseysiders have played less, and given that both teams will compete at the Etihad in just a month, the intrigue for first place remains open. The city derby with Manchester United is practically the other difficult match for the Citizens, at least on paper, until the end of the season, so the hosts have no right to make a mistake.

Once again this season, Manchester United failed to materialize their game advantage and congratulate themselves with three points against an opponent who is superior. The Red Devils ended in a draw 0-0 with Watford and missed a golden chance to open the lead to their pursuers for the fourth position. West Ham and Arsenal are two points behind United, but the Gunners have played three games less and could theoretically come out fourth with a solid lead.

Following the appointment of Ralph Rangnik, it was expected that United would drastically change their style of play compared to what Ole Gunnar Solskjaer showed. My view is that the only tangible change is tactical discipline. Manchester United neither deeply press their opponents nor achieve long-term control of the ball, except against outsiders in this regard. The program of the team in the last three months was very easy and did not really include a match against an opponent from the Big Six. However, disappointing results have been achieved, such as the draws with Burnley, Watford and Newcastle, which may prove decisive in the fight for the Top 4.

I expect that on Sunday United will not offer anything different from what we saw with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and will accept the game in their half. The Norwegian lied to Pep Guardiola several times with these players with such tactics and United left with a victory from their last three visits to the Etihad. Antonio Conte did the same with his Tottenham just two weeks ago. On the other hand, Manchester City should also be prepared for such a development of the match and will be more careful. I do not expect a successful match and it is very likely that at least one of the two teams will keep the net dry.