The giant rivalry between City and United will kick off at Etihad Stadium. Both sides have come off the back foot so far this season, in a mixed start to the campaign, and with managers under pressure to ensure they produce results it could change the trajectory of the matches.

Starting at 4:30pm BST, viewers all over the world will have their eyes set on the game between Pep Guardiola’s (City) and Ruben Amorim’s (United).

Match preview

he Manchester derby is one of the most heated rivalries in English football, full of history and passion. This weekend's meeting marks the 197th time these two sides have faced off in competitive matches, with City hosting at their modern home ground.

Both clubs come into this fixture after the international break, which has given players time to rest but also raised questions about fatigue from national duty.

On first we have Manchester City. They started really badly this season, they are 13th in the Premier League with only three points from their first three games, first away from home with a win against a lower-table side, then at home to Tottenham and then at Brighton with losses.

Guardiola has said he needs to speed things up, especially in their latest defeat when they struggled to grab an ascendancy after taking a lead.

Some players got a major overhaul in the summer, like James Trafford, Abdukodir Khusanov, Ait Nouri, Reijnders, and it’ll be interesting to see how they settle in. Erling Haaland is still one of the game’s main threats up front, but they’ve failed to create enough chances to push them forward.

Over in the red half of Manchester, things are looking slightly brighter for Manchester United. They're in ninth spot in the league with four points following a spirited 3-2 win over Burnley before the break.

That result came late and Bruno Fernandes made it work from the penalty spot. The Portuguese took over at Old Trafford last season and has been rebuilding since then, adding players like Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko, who have been looking to boost firepower.

However, their attack has relied on some lucky breaks so far, with both early goals this season being own goals by opponents. Defensively, United have been solid but not unforgiving and Amorim knows that winning a derby is going to lift his side massively.

For now, United have taken more shots than anyone in the Premier League this season, but they simply haven't been converting them.

Looking back over the last few seasons between these two Premier League teams. They've been competitive. City have being strong at home, but they saw Manchester United pulled a 2-1win last season.

The last meeting at Old Trafford ended in a goalless draw in April, where both sides had chances but couldn't find the net. Over the past seven matches there have been four wins for City, and United have won two of the most recent ones.

The head-to-head record shows City have won 19 of the last 41 meetings, 16 for United. And there's six draws between them.

For City, this match is crucial to get back on track. Guardiola's team dominated the league last year, but with some key players recovering from injuries and new signings adapting, there's uncertainty.

Amorim, on the other hand, sees this as a chance to make a statement. His side has showed some performance especially against Arsenal, but consistency is key.

With 58 shots already this season, more than any other team, they need to be sharper in front of goal. The international break might have helped with some injury recoveries, but travel could tire others. Both managers are desperate for the points.

Manchester City Premier League form

Manchester United Premier League form

Team News

Turning to the squads, both teams have some injury concerns heading into this derby, but there are also positives from the break. For Manchester City, the big news is in goal. New signing James Trafford could start once again if Ederson is not.

Pep Guardiola has hinted at rotation there. Defensively, Abdukodir Khusanov picked an injury last game against Brighton due to a minor knock, but he should be back. John Stones is expected to start alongside him, with Matheus Nunes possibly at right-back, Rayan Aït-Nouri at the left-back.

In midfield, Rodri is a mainstay, Tijjani Reijnders and Silva possibly. Up front, Erling Haaland is likely to lead the line if he's over any niggles from Norway duty, with Oscar Bobb and Omar Marmoush providing support.

Phil Foden has been battling a thigh issue and might not be risked, while Rayan Cherki is out for two months with a similar problem. Savinho could return after the break, adding width.

Over at United, Ruben Amorim has decisions to make. Altay Bayindir has been solid in goal and should keep his place. Defensively, Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt are still strong at the back, with Luke Shaw fit again at left-back.

Diogo Dalot is doubtful with an injury, so Amad Diallo might shift to right-back. In midfield, Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo or Dorgu are likely starters, with Bruno Fernandes captaining from a more advanced role.

Bryan Mbeumo has impressed early and could start on the wing, while Mason Mount is back from injury and pushing for a spot. Matheus Cunha's status is key he's been crucial but picked up a knock. Lisandro Martinez is also sidelined. New signing Benjamin Sesko could feature up top if Cunha isn't ready.

Both sides have international players returning, so freshness will vary. City might have the edge in squad rotation, but United's hunger could make up for it. No suspensions reported for either team.

Manchester City possible starting lineup:

Trafford; Nunes, Stones, Khusanov, Aït-Nouri; Rodri, Silva, Reijnders; Bobb, Haaland, Marmoush

Manchester United possible starting lineup:

Bayindir; Yoro, De Ligt, Shaw; Diallo, Dorgu, Casemiro, Mason, Mbeumo, Fernandes; Sesko

Prediction 

Manchester City 2-1 Manchester United

This derby looks to be going to be an open one, but I think City's home form and quality will keep them in the game. Both sides have shown themselves to be vulnerable, but Haaland could be the difference. United will fight hard and you could see them score on the counter-attack, but Guardiola's side will grind out a win to get their season going. Expect goals.