Manuel Pellegrini’s men have squandered their chance of keeping up with the title race countless times, most recently during their goalless draw with Norwich City. In fact, the Citizens have only won one of their last five Premier League games. Their last win was against Aston Villa who are now facing the threat of relegation at the bottom of the league table.
In this battle of wounded giants, City still have an upper hand but only in terms of league position and home advantage. As Pellegrini prepares to leave at the end of the season to pave way for fan-favorite Pep Guardiola to take over at the Etihad Stadium, the Chilean would want to leave his desk on a high and this can only be achieved by guaranteeing a top four finish. Having scored 39 league goals at home this season, 10 more than any other Premier League side, the hosts have the potential to take all the three points in this fixture.
The two sides played to a goalless draw at Old Trafford on October 25, 2015
The Sky Blues have a better record against the Red Devils, having won four of their last six encounters in the league. Unfortunately for the visitors, they have won only one of their last five league meetings at the Etihad Stadium. But historically, the Old Trafford club has an upper hand as seen below:
@MCFC vs @ManUtd in words and numbers!
— LiveSoccerTV.com (@LiveSoccerTV) March 20, 2016
Injury update: https://t.co/hpu7WZcD8p#ManchesterDerby#ManUtd #ManCity pic.twitter.com/1e08l0i1MQ
The Red Devils come into this fixture hoping for nothing less than a win in order to revive their hopes of securing a top four finish, something that could guarantee participation in next year’s Champions League. Having being bundled out of the Capital One Cup, UEFA Europa League and the Premier League title race, the Red Devils only have the FA Cup and the top four slot to fight for this season.
Manager Louis Van Gaal continues to make headlines regarding his future at the struggling club and for the umpteenth time, this derby is set to raise more speculations if he fails to earn three crucial points away from home. Earlier last month, LVG’s men were enjoying a good but rare form, having registered three wins in a row against Shrewsbury Town in the FA Cup, Midtjylland in the Europa League and a shocking 3-2 drubbing of Arsenal in the Premier League.
WATCH: Manchester derby in words and numbers
At a time when the fans were starting to believe that their beloved club could go all the way to finish at a respectable position in the league thanks to their run of good results, the fairy-tale run came to a screeching halt thanks to Salomon Rondon’s goal for West Brom at the Hawthorns two weeks ago.
West Ham United then held the struggling giants to a one-all draw at Old Trafford to force a replay in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup, before being bundled out of the Europa League by Liverpool.
The Old Trafford outfit now sit at the 6th position on the log with 47 points, four behind fourth-placed Manchester City. Given that The Citizens are also fighting for a place in next season’s Champions League, they will not be willing to give up the fourth position that easily, especially to their cross-town rivals.
Team news
Man City
Vincent Kompany is still nursing a calf injury and could be unavailable for this epic clash, and the same case applies to Nicolas Otamendi. Raheem Sterling could return to the first eleven, hence relegating Jesus Navas to the bench.
Man United
Bastian Schweinsteiger could return to command the midfield, but Wayne Rooney, who is the all-time top scorer in this derby with 11 goals, is still nursing a knee problem. Ander Herrera is also doubtful for this derby, but Marcos Rojo, Antonio Valencia and Guillermo Varela could be available for selection.
Which channel is broadcasting Manchester City vs Manchester United on TV or Online?
USA: Follow the Premier League action live from the Etihad Stadium on NBC, Telemundo, Westwood One Sports, NBC Sports Live Extra, NBC Deportes En Vivo Extra or SiriusXM FC at 12:00 EDT.
Canada: Watch the Manchester derby on Sportsnet World Now or Sportsnet One at 12:00 EDT.
UK: Tune in to SKY GO Extra, Sky Go UK, BBC Radio 5 Live or Sky Sports 1/HD UK on March 20, 2016 at 16:00 GMT.
Live outside these three countries? Well, don’t worry; visit our live broadcast page for additional geo-localized broadcast options.
*NOTE: live broadcast is subject to change
Match details, result and original broadcast info
This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.
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