Rodri and Cherki Set to Ignite Manchester Derby as City Unveils Predicted XI Against United
Following a pair of domestic cup matches, Manchester City return to Premier League duties with an explosive derby clash against their neighbors Manchester United.
Three straight stalemates have left City trailing table-toppers Arsenal by six points, though they're opening this weekend's fixtures and possess an opportunity to reduce Arsenal's lead.
Pep Guardiola continues to manage through a defensive injury shortage, but he would have been greatly pleased by the determination shown during an earned 2–0 triumph at Newcastle United on Tuesday—a result that puts City within reach of the Carabao Cup final.
They're set to face a United team under the guidance of Michael Carrick for the first time—following his return to the club—and the ex-midfielder will become the sixth different Red Devils manager Guardiola has encountered since arriving in England in 2016.
Here's how City might set up at Old Trafford.
Man City Predicted Lineup vs. Man Utd (4-1-4-1)
Man City Predicted Lineup vs. Man Utd (4-1-4-1)
GK: Gianluigi Donnarumma—The Italian goalkeeper has been absent from the squad for their last two matches, with James Trafford receiving opportunities in cup competitions. Donnarumma will return for his debut experience in this rivalry, however.
RB: Matheus Nunes—The repositioned midfielder is certainly a player City will look to improve upon this summer, but currently, he remains Guardiola's preferred option at right-back.
CB: Abdukodir Khusanov—Khusanov has demonstrated his adaptability this campaign, with Guardiola deploying him at right-back during the fall. Now, the Uzbek defender will get an extended opportunity in the squad due to City's accumulation of center-back injuries.
CB: Nathan Aké—Max Alleyne has performed admirably since returning from his loan at Watford, but a seasoned presence might be required to pair with Khusanov on Saturday.
LB: Nico O'Reilly—Rayan Aït-Nouri has returned from AFCON commitments, but O'Reilly, who featured in midfield against Newcastle, has established himself as City's primary left-back choice.
DM: Rodri—Nico González faces a spell out injured, but City have Rodri healthy and ready for selection. He was only utilized as a substitute midweek, possibly with this match in consideration.
RW: Antoine Semenyo—Most anticipated new acquisition Semenyo would offer competition for Jérémy Doku on the left flank, but Guardiola chose to deploy both wingers simultaneously on Tuesday. It proved entertaining, and hopefully we'll witness it again at Old Trafford.
CM: Rayan Cherki—City have become the league's most exciting team to watch since Cherki gained prominence following his summer transfer. The French midfielder netted a brilliant goal as a substitute at St. James' Park.
CM: Phil Foden—Only Wayne Rooney, Erling Haaland and Sergio Agüero have found the net more frequently in this matchup than Foden. The hometown hero thrives on Derby Day, and he'll certainly feature in the starting eleven.
LW: Jérémy Doku—Doku provided the assist for Semenyo's opening goal midweek and will relish the prospect of overwhelming whichever defender Carrick selects at right-back this weekend—presumably Diogo Dalot.
ST: Erling Haaland—It's been a sluggish beginning to 2026 for Haaland, who has managed just one goal across his last five appearances. Nevertheless, he's been lethal in derby matches, increasing his tally to eight against Man Utd with a double in the earlier meeting.
