Riyad Mahrez and Erland Haaland to return – Media & Fans Predicted XI vs Manchester United

Manchester City will be hoping to close the gap on Arsenal in the Premier League when they head to Old Trafford to face Manchester United on Saturday 14th, January. The game kicks off at 12:30 GMT and will be broadcast on BT Sport 1 in the United Kingdom.

Pep Guardiola’s side were beaten 2-0 by the Saints and failed to register a single shot on target throughout the 90 minutes for the first time in 275 matches since a 3-0 Champions League loss to Liverpool in April 2018. Pep Guardiola also endured the first-ever domestic cup quarter-final exit of his managerial career, ending a 15-game winning streak at this stage.

Hopes of an unprecedented quadruple are now over this term, and Guardiola will be keen for his side to bounce back in what will be his 500th top-flight game as a coach on Saturday – his 246th in charge of Man City – as they bid to reduce the five-point gap that currently separates them from Arsenal at the Premier League summit.

The reigning top-flight champions have seen their impeccably high standards slip slightly in recent months, dropping eight points from as many league matches, while they have also failed to score in four of their last seven away games across all competitions.

However, Guardiola’s side will relish a derby-day trip to Man United having won nine of their last 14 visits to Old Trafford in all tournaments since and including their iconic 6-1 league triumph in October 2011.

A perfect way for City to rebuild their momentum ahead of a challenging fixture schedule – including two games each against Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal – would be to secure a record 19th Premier League victory over the Red Devils this weekend, completing a record sixth top-flight double over their bitter rivals in the process.

After scoring six against Ten Hag’s side at the Etihad just three months ago – courtesy of memorable hat-tricks bagged by Erling Braut Haaland and Phil Foden – City could also break their own club record for the most goals scored against United in a single campaign (eight goals in 1954-55) if they find the net at least three times on Saturday.

Team News

Manchester City will be without John Stones as they prepare to face Manchester United in the derby.

Manuel Akanji will come into the side to partner Aymeric Laporte, which will allow Kyle Walker to return at right-back. Joao Cancelo has had a torrid time of last and will likely again be dropped.

Pep Guardiola is expected to ring the changes after being knocked out of the Carbao Cup in what has been described as City’s worst performance of his tenure.

Kalvin Phillips and Sergio Gomez will also drop out, as the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Rodri and Bernardo Silva come in.

Manchester City possible starting lineup:

In what is set to be an enthralling contest, here is how Some Man City Fans and Media expect Pep Guardiola’s side to line-up.

Evening Standard XI : Ederson; Walker, Laporte, Akanji, Ake; De Bruyne, Rodri, Bernardo; Mahrez, Haaland, Grealish

Manchester World XI: Ederson; Lewis, Laporte, Akanji, Ake; Rodri, De Bruyne, Bernardo; Mahrez, Haaland, Grealish

Jack Flintham (MEN) XI: Ederson; Walker, Laporte, Akanji, Ake; Rodri, De Bruyne, Bernardo; Mahrez, Haaland, Grealish

90mim Football XI: Ederson; Lewis, Laporte, Akanji, Ake; De Bruyne, Rodri, Gundogan; Mahrez, Haaland, Grealish

City Report XI: Ederson, Lewis, Akanji, Laporte, Aké, Rodri, De Bruyne, Bernardo, Mahrez, Haaland, Grealish

City Xtra XI: Ederson; Kyle Walker, Manuel Akanji, Aymeric Laporte, Nathan Ake; Rodri, Bernardo Silva, Kevin De Bruyne; Riyad Mahrez, Erling Haaland, Phil Foden.

Who do you think will be in the XI against Chelsea?

Best Starting XI base on Majority: : Ederson; Kyle Walker, Manuel Akanji, Aymeric Laporte, Nathan Ake; Rodri, Bernardo Silva, Kevin De Bruyne; Riyad Mahrez, Erling Haaland, Jack Grealish.