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Published on 2024-02-27 09:10:00
Manchester City’s upcoming home league game against Manchester United is set to kick off at a unique time once again. The two teams will face each other on Sunday for the second Manchester derby of the season. The match, scheduled for March 3, will kick off at 3:30 pm, which is earlier than the usual 4:30 pm slot.
This is not the first time that the kickoff time for the Manchester derby has been adjusted. Earlier this season, Manchester United suffered a 3-0 defeat at the hands of City in a Sunday kickoff that also took place at 3:30 pm. The change in time for the fixture was the result of consultations between the clubs, broadcasters, and local authorities.
Manchester City released a statement explaining the reason behind the altered kickoff time for the upcoming clash at the Etihad. The statement indicated that the game was rescheduled for live television coverage. The Citizens go into this fixture sitting one point behind Liverpool at the top of the table and one point above Arsenal.
In a recent interview, Pep Guardiola highlighted the similarities between the current season and the previous one in terms of points accumulated. He mentioned the unpredictable nature of the league and pointed out the tight competition among the top teams. Guardiola expressed his team’s readiness for the showdown with their inner-city rivals and emphasized the importance of consistency in performance.
Looking back at their previous encounters, City dominated United in their last meeting, winning 6-3. The defending champions will be looking to extend their winning streak and strengthen their title charge. Meanwhile, Manchester United find themselves in sixth place, eight points adrift of the top four after a disappointing 2-1 loss to Fulham.
The Red Devils have a decent record at the Etihad, having won three of their last six visits. Despite their position in the league standings, each defeat puts their top-four aspirations at risk. A trip to face City is a daunting challenge, and United will need to raise their game to secure a positive result.
In conclusion, the upcoming Manchester derby promises to be a thrilling contest, with both teams eager to secure a crucial victory. The unusual kickoff time adds an element of intrigue to the match, as City and United renew their rivalry in the quest for supremacy in Manchester. Fans can expect a fiercely competitive encounter between these two historic clubs as they battle for bragging rights and crucial points in the Premier League.
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