Manchester City host Manchester United at the Etihad Stadium in the Premier League on Monday, September 15.
The start of the 2025/26 Premier League campaign has not been ideal for either of the Manchester clubs. City are 13th in the league table after securing one win and suffering two losses in the top flight so far, while United have taken only four points from their first three games.
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Now, as the first Manchester derby of the season approaches, both sides will be looking to prove themselves while walking away with three points at the end of the game.
The Red Devils have won 26 out of 56 Premier League games against City, who have managed 20 victories. Ruben Amorim enjoyed a victory in this fixture last season, and City have in fact not won any of the past four meetings in all competitions over 90 minutes, having won seven out of nine derbies before that run.
Man City vs. Man United lineups: Predicted starting XI, team news, injury latest
City boss Pep Guardiola has a long list of injuries ahead of the derby.
Omar Marmoush, Rayan Ait-Nouri and Rayan Cherki are all sidelined, and John Stones is a major doubt after withdrawing from international duty.
Mateo Kovacic underwent Achilles tendon surgery and is not expected to return to the pitch this month. Kalvin Phillips has been sidelined with a similar problem. There are also uncertainties over Josko Gvardiol, Savinho, Rico Lewis, and Nico O'Reilly.
Abdukodir Khusanov could be available after recovering from a calf injury, and Guardiola is expected to hand Gianluigi Donnarumma his debut in goal.
Manchester City predicted starting XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Donnarumma (GK) — Nunes, Khusanov, Dias, Gvardiol — Rodri, Silva — Doku, Reijnders, Foden — Haaland
Injured: Kovacic (Achilles), Cherki (thigh), Stones (undisc.), Marmoush (knee), Phillips (Achilles), Bettinelli (knock, doubt), Gvardiol (knock, doubt), Savinho (knock, doubt), Lewis, O'Reilly (knock, doubt)
Suspended: None
United have a few problems of their own in terms of injuries. Matheus Cunha sustained a hamstring injury against Burnley and is out, along with Diogo Dalot and Mason Mount, who also have muscle concerns.
The disruption to the forward line could see captain Bruno Fernandes moved into a No. 10 role and Benjamin Sesko get his first Premier League start. Kobbie Mainoo is an option to partner Casemiro in central midfield.
Head coach Ruben Amorim said on Friday that Altay Bayindir would start in goal over new signing Senne Lammens, who joined from Royal Antwerp on transfer deadline day.
Manchester United predicted starting XI (3-4-2-1, right to left): Bayindir (GK) — Yoro, De Ligt, Shaw — Amad Diallo, Casemiro, Mainoo, Dorgu — Mbeumo, Fernandes — Sesko
Injured: Martinez (ACL), Cunha (hamstring), Dalot (muscle), Mount (muscle)
Suspended: None
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Man City vs. Man United match details
- Date: Monday, September 15, 2025
- Kickoff time: 1.30 a.m. AEST
- Stream: Stan Sport
- Location: Etihad Stadium, Manchester (England)
- Competition: Premier League
- Referee: Anthony Taylor
- VAR: John Brooks