Manchester Derby tonight: Red Devils conquer Etihad!

Pep Guardiola's Man City have home advantage. But Jose Mourinho's tactics and mentality promise to help MU take points at Etihad.

Pep Guardiola is having the worst time of his coaching career. Last weekend's defeat to Arsenal meant the Spaniard had his first trophyless season.

Tonight, all eyes will be on the Manchester battle, with Pep Guardiola vs Jose Mourinho

But the 2016-17 season is not over for Pep. The upcoming matches, especially the battle with Mourinho's MU, are an opportunity for the former Bayern Munich and Barca coach to regain his honor.

More importantly, he must help Man City qualify for the Champions League. A seemingly simple task, but very heavy for Pep.

The battle to split Manchester will be the key to opening the Champions League door for Man City.

David Silva may not be able to return in time. Meanwhile, Aguero is likely to recover 100% and start in the home team's attack.

On the other side of the front line, the personnel situation is a disaster for MU.

Ibrahimovic has just undergone surgery and will be out for 9-12 months. Phil Jones, Juan Mata, Smalling and Rojo have no return date. It is Pogba's turn to be an unwilling spectator in the Manchester derby.

However, Mourinho is too familiar with losses, from which he can come up with reasonable tactical solutions to help the Red Devils overcome difficulties.

The return leg is even more anticipated, because of the survival of the Champions League ticket next season.

To face Man City, Mourinho will likely use the central midfield pair Fellaini - Ander Herrera, while Young will be placed in attack to exploit his speed.

Bookmakers all rate Man City as having a better chance of winning. Asian bookmakers even offer Pep Guardiola's team a 3/4 handicap.

MU are unbeaten in their last 23 Premier League games, and those are no coincidences. With Mourinho's mark, the Red Devils can take points at the Etihad.

Force

Man City:Aguero returns. Silva's playing opportunities are unclear.

MU:Pogba, Ibrahimovic, Phil Jones, Juan Mata, Smalling and Rojo are injured.

Expected lineup

Man City:Bravo; Zabaleta, Stones, Kompany, Kolarov; Fernandinho; Sane, Silva, De Bruyne, Sterling; Aguero.

MU:De Gea; Valencia, Bailly, Blind, Darmian; Herrera, Fellaini; Lingard, Mkhitaryan, Young - Rashford.

According to VNN