Both Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho may want to change things a bit for Sunday's clash, but here's our take on how their lineups could look like.

Yes, we know that guessing in advance how any team in the world might line up for a derby is quite tricky, especially when you have Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho at the helm. Even so, considering how these teams have played their recent games, adding their form prior to Sunday's match, here are the 22 players we feel that will be given the starting nod by these tactical geniuses.

Manchester City's projected lineup

Goalkeeper: There's hardly any doubt here, With Claudio Bravo injured, Brazilian shot-stopper Ederson is the obvious choice for Pep Guardiola under the sticks.

Defenders: Pep Guardiola will hardly change the four-men defense that has worked like a charm for the Citizens in the English top flight. Kyle Walker, John Stones, Aymeric Laporte and Benjamin Mendy are set to start here, mainly since this defense has only conceded four goals in eleven games, one of them being a penalty.

Midfielders:  Fernandinho and Ilkay Gundogan will fight for a spot as defensive midfielder, with the Brazilian showing the most consistent form of the duo. Meanwhile, the Silvas (David and Bernardo) may feature down the flanks. Leroy Sané could be an option if Guardiola decides to take a more dynamic approach, with David Silva most likely being the one to be dropped. Our verdict: Fernandinho, Bernardo Silva, David Silva.

Strikers: Sergio Aguero and Raheem Sterling seem to be locks on Pep Guardiola's lineup. Aguero is one of four Citizen players to be included in all previous lineups, with Sterling following closely at 9. The remaining spot will be awarded to either Riyad Mahrez (five starts, four goals) or Gabriel Jesús (two starts, one goal), who comes fresh off a hat-trick in Man City's win against Shakhtar in the UEFA Champions League. Our verdict: Sergio Aguero, Raheem Sterling, Riyad Mahrez.

Manchester United's projected lineup

Goalkeeper: David de Gea is the uncontested best choice to guard Manchester United's net.

Defenders: Ashley Young will captain the Red Devils from his right-back spot, with Chris Smalling and Victor Lindelof at center back. Luke Shaw seems to be a lock as the team's starting left back, given the fact that he's been in 10 of Mourinho's eleven lineups so far in the season.

Midfielders: Paul Pogba is a lock in midfield for Manchester United, considering he's one of two players to have featured in all of Jose Mourinho's lineups (the other one being De Gea). Nemanja Matic, Ander Herrera and Fred will battle for the two remaining spots, while Marouane Fellaini will have to settle for a spot in the bench. Our verdict: Nemanja Matic, Paul Pogba, Ander Herrera.

Strikers: Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sánchez should be expected to lead the line, but with both of them being doubts, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial might be the ones that will try to inflict some damage on Man City's defense. The other spot might be decided between Jesse Lingard and Juan Mata, who's late antics against Juventus impressed all fans. Our verdict: Romelu Lukaku, Anthony Martial, Juan Mata.

Tactical duels

Fernandinho vs Paul Pogba - This matchup could be key to the outcome of the game. Fernandinho will be in charge of stopping Manchester United's most influential player, but Pogba has shown in previous outings (especially during that 3-2 comeback) that he can make the most from his meetings against the Brazilian footballer.

Sergio Aguero vs Chris Smalling - One of Manchester City's best strikers of all time will face a player that has always faced serious questioning, but has stood up to adversity to show his worth. This time around, Aguero enters this game as one of the most in-form players in the EPL, with seven goals scored in 11 matches. We will have to wait and see if Smalling can hold the striker back, but we feel this battle may be a bit one-sided this time.

Aguero and Smalling have faced each other several times. Who'll make the most out of their meeting on Sunday?

Lukaku vs John Stones - Even if the Belgian striker is not in the best shape, he is still one of Manchester United's biggest threats up front. These players crossed paths during their time at Everton, and this will mark one of the first times they meet against each other in a Manchester Derby.

Friends-turned-rivals Stones and Lukaku might be crucial to decide the outcome of Sunday's derby.