Sam Lee, Manchester City writer, shares insights as City grapples with just one win in ten games. Mark Critchley, a Manchester football expert, discusses United's recent struggles and their resilience in Europe. Thom Harris dives into the tactical battles ahead in the Manchester derby, assessing injury impacts and managerial decisions. The panel explores contrasting strategies, key players, and the historical rivalry, anticipating an intense clash that could redefine both teams' seasons.
Manchester City struggles with injuries and tactical adjustments, significantly impacting their performance, as evidenced by only one win in their last ten games.
Manchester United, under new manager Ruben Amorim, is showing signs of improvement amidst transitional challenges, aiming for consistency and European qualification success this season.
Deep dives
Manchester City Struggles
Manchester City is currently facing a tough season, with one win in their last ten matches, including a recent defeat to Juventus. Key players like Rodri and De Bruyne have been injured, severely impacting the team's creativity and midfield strength. The rotating injuries have left the defense vulnerable, leading to a high number of errors that have resulted in goals conceded. Despite these challenges, the team maintains a fighting spirit as they seek to regain their previous form and stability.
Manchester United's Transitional Moment
Manchester United is undergoing significant changes under new manager Ruben Amarim, who has made strides in adapting the squad to his tactical approach. Recent matches have shown improvements, especially after making impactful substitutions, but consistency remains an issue. Despite a shaky performance against Victoria Poulsen, a last-minute victory helped them avoid a three-game winless streak. Achieving a European competition qualification would be seen as a success for United this season amidst their transitional period.
Tactical Challenges for Both Teams
Both Manchester City and United face tactical dilemmas ahead of their upcoming derby. For City, injuries have disrupted their usual style of play, forcing them to adapt with less fluidity in midfield and defense. United, on the other hand, is still experimenting with Amarim's system, which could leave them susceptible to counter-attacks. The derby will likely hinge on individual battles, with City needing to regain their form while United seeks to implement their new tactics effectively.
The Impact of the Derby
The upcoming Manchester derby carries significant implications for both clubs, though this year's matchup feels less consequential in the grander scheme of things. A victory could serve as a much-needed morale boost for City, while United is looking for a turning point under new management. The historical rivalry adds pressure, making it a key fixture for fans and players alike. Ultimately, while the result may not define their seasons, it holds the potential to spark renewed hope and energy within either camp.
Manchester City writer Sam Lee, Manchester writer Mark Citchley and tactics writer Thom Harris join Michael Bailey for a Manchester derby roundtable.
With Pep Guardiola's side picking up just one win in their last 10 games, the panel dissect why it's still going wrong and look at whether Sunday's game presents an opportunity to bounce back.
Manchester United have lost their last two Premier League games - but after coming from behind to win in Plzeň - are Ruben Amorim's side showing signs of moving in the right direction?
Plus, we look at the fixtures elsewhere with drop ins from the club podcasts across The Athletic FC.