Man United just suffered a 0-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest, recording the 13th loss of the Premier League season.
The weak attack of the Red Devils created many opportunities but could not take advantage. At this time, Ruben Amorim's teachers and students were still 13th in the rankings, but less than the 10th to 7 points. The goal in the upper half at the end of the season is getting farther away for the Reds.
Man United can still win the title and a place in the Champions League through the Europa League. However, not keeping a clean sheet in the last 12 home matches makes it difficult for fans to rest assured in the upcoming final period.
On the other hand, Man City have not had a good away record in the Premier League recently. They have won just three of their last 11 away games in the top flight (L6 L9), equal to the number of defeats they have suffered in their previous 37 combined.
The Citizens have just suffered another blow when Erling Haaland was injured, sitting out for 5-7 weeks for treatment. The absence of the number 1 striker and a series of defensive pillars could make Man City more struggling in the race to the top 4.
Pep Guardiola's side are currently fifth in the table, which could still be enough to qualify for the Champions League thanks to England's superior UEFA coefficient. Their top goal is to keep this position while continuing to chase Chelsea.
Facing Man United, the defending champion is still rated higher thanks to his flexible and dynamic attack. They had to find a way to repay their debt in the first leg, when they convincingly lost 1-2 to the Red Devils at the Etihad.
Expected lineup:
Man United: Onana; Mazraoui, Maguire, Yoro; Dalot, Ugarte, Fernandes, Dorgu; Mount, Garnacho; Hojlund.
Man City: Ederson; Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O'Reilly; Gundogan, Gonzalez; Savinho, Grealish, Doku; Marmoush.
