The Premier League will witness one of the most anticipated matches of the season on Sunday, October 2, when Manchester City take on Manchester United. The defending champions will be eager to extend their unbeaten run in the league to eight games. United, on the other hand, have a formidable foe to face, and they will manage to climb to the top-four position in the league table if they overcome the City hurdle.

Preview

Before the international break commenced, United had ended the unbeaten run of Arsenal by a 3-1 scoreline while City handed a 3-0 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers. It was after this win that City had returned to the top of the league table. However, Arsenal managed to get the better of them and regained the top spot after their win against Tottenham. Even if City do manage to beat their local rivals, they will still be a point short of Arsenal.

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United, on the other hand, have played just six matches in the 2022-23 Premier League season till date, winning four and losing twice. If they do beat City, they will manage to break into the top four with one game in hand, and will be six points off Arsenal.

Probable line-up

Manchester City: Ederson; Walker, Akanji, Dias, Cancelo; Silva, Rodri, De Bruyne; Foden, Haaland, Grealish

Manchester United: De Gea; Dalot, Varane, Martinez, Malacia; Casemiro, Eriksen; Antony, Fernandes, Sancho; Rashford

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Team news

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has revealed that Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial have returned from injuries and have already begun training with the team. Harry Maguire is out with an injury he suffered during England’s match against Germany. It remains to be seen whether Cristiano Ronaldo features in the squad.

Pep Guardiola has ruled out defender John Stones’ chances of featuring in the squad.