After 3 matches, Man City only has 3 points. They have lost two consecutive games against Tottenham and Brighton. This is the first time since 2004-05 that Man City have lost two of their first three games of the season. Things are very difficult for Pep Guardiola's side.
Man United has improved a little, but the pressure is still on Ruben Amorim and his students. In the previous round, they had a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Burnley, with the decisive goal scored from Bruno's penalty spot. The Red Devils are still worried about their defense, as well as their ability to take advantage of opportunities.
Home field is not a big advantage in Manchester derbies. Since 2015-16, the home side have won just six of their 20 Premier League meetings. Last season, Man United came from behind to beat Man City 2-1 at the Etihad with Amad Diallo in excellent form late in the match.
In terms of force, Man City will not have the services of many players, most recently the case of striker Omar Marmoush. This striker suffered a knee injury in the early stages of Egypt's recent FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Vietnam
Man City said Marmoush, who has scored eight goals in 28 appearances since joining in January 2025, will return to Manchester for further injury assessments, although initial shots "suggest he will not be able to play in the derby."
With Marmoush's situation, Pep Guardiola will need to make at least one change in attack, although he also has to consider the case of Rayan Cherki, who was sidelined for two months due to injury.
Savinho has yet to feature this season after picking up an injury in pre-season, while Phil Foden is not fit enough to compete.
Guardiola is also concerned about the defense as Josko Gvardiol, Rico Lewis and John Stones are all uncertain to play, while Abdukodir Khusanov has withdrawn from the Uzbekistan national team due to a calf injury.
Another notable piece of news for Man City is that they could feature goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma after his move from PSG.
As for Man United, the only confirmed long-term absentee for United is Lisandro Martinez, who is still recovering from a cruciate ligament injury suffered in February 2025.
Matheus Cunha and Mason Mount both had to leave the pitch in their most recent match against Burnley, against FIFA Days, due to health problems. Coach Amorim later said the pair would be checked. These two players, along with Diogo Dalot, will be re-tested to accurately assess their ability to play in the upcoming derby.
The Man City vs Man United match will take place at 10:30 p.m. on September 14.
