The Manchester derby would be played on Saturday 12th December at 5:30 pm GMT. Here are three key battles which could be decisive in the outcome of the game.
1. Bruno Fernandes vs Kevin de Bruyne
This is likely to be the most decisive battle in the game. Since arriving the Premier League, Fernandes has reached Kevin de Bruyne levels and only has to maintain the consistency to be classes as an equal player to the Belgian.
Both are influential players for their different teams and as per sky sports, this is their average heat maps and stats this season.
Both players has never played against each other as De Bruyne was rested in the last derby and Fernandes provided an assist for Martial’s opener.
Whoever turns up for this game between these duo could likely singlehandedly hand his team the three points on Saturday.
2. Aaron Wan-Bissaka vs Raheem Sterling
Another battle likely to play a key role in the derby outcome. Last season, Aaron Wan-Bissaka pocketed Raheem Sterling in both league derbies and it ultimately proved decisive as United won both games and Sterling – one of City’s key men – failing to make a mark in both games.
Should Wan-Bissaka being his A-game again, then United might atleast have a platform to build upon and try get three points. Should Sterling win this time, City could be confident of victory.
3. Harry Maguire vs Aguero/Jesus
It remains to be seen who would start the Derby between the two City strikers but Maguire would have his work cut out by either.
Jesus’s pace or Aguero’s intelligence, none is a comfortable situation for United’s captain but should he keep them quiet like he did last season, the result could go the Reds’ way otherwise, City would fancy getting a few goals.
Which battle do you think would be the most important/decisive? Let us know in the comments.
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