Four changes… Pep Guardiola makes Jack Grealish call in predicted Man City lineup vs Man United

Man United vs Man City: Predicted Lineup as Pep Guardiola Makes Key Changes Including Grealish Start

Manchester City will face Manchester United at Old Trafford this Sunday in the final Manchester Derby of the 2024/25 season. City arrive in solid form, riding back-to-back wins over Leicester City and Bournemouth (in the FA Cup), while United aim to rebound from a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest.

Fourteen points separate the sides in the Premier League table, with Ruben Amorim’s United trailing Guardiola’s City. In the buildup to Sunday’s clash, Kevin De Bruyne confirmed he will leave City at the end of the season, a move that has drawn praise from Amorim, who spoke highly of De Bruyne’s career during Friday’s press conference.

City Team News: Haaland Injury, Defensive Setbacks

The headline injury is Erling Haaland, who suffered an ankle injury against Bournemouth. He could be out for up to seven weeks, though Guardiola hopes to have him back in time for the Club World Cup. Meanwhile, City remain without Nathan Ake, John Stones, and Manuel Akanji, while Rodri is still recovering from a serious knee injury.

Predicted Lineup: Grealish to Start After Strong Showing

With Haaland sidelined, Pep Guardiola is likely to stick with Omar Marmoush as the central striker. Marmoush impressed midweek, and Pep will be hoping for more of the same in the derby. Jack Grealish, who scored his first league goal of the season against Leicester, is expected to retain his spot on the left.

Mateo Kovacic is likely to return to the starting XI in anticipation of a physical midfield battle, while Phil Foden could also be back after being rested against Leicester. Jeremy Doku may be the one to make way.

In defense, although fans want to see Josko Gvardiol remain central, Guardiola may push him back to left-back. Nico O’Reilly is expected to drop out, with Abdukodir Khusanov returning after a brief rest.

Predicted XI vs Manchester United:

• Goalkeeper: Ederson
• Defense: Gvardiol, Dias, Khusanov, Lewis
• Midfield: Gundogan, Kovacic, Foden
• Attack: Grealish, Savinho, Marmoush

With Haaland out and key defenders still sidelined, Guardiola’s tactical flexibility will be under the spotlight as City look to secure a third consecutive victory.