One of the most anticipated matches in the English top flight league will come alive this weekend at the Theatre of Dreams where the Manchester derby will take place.
Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United will host former rival, Pep Guardiola of Manchester City in their first ever clash since they joined their respective clubs.
Guardiola has meanwhile, had a better head-to-head record over his Portuguese counterpart since their time in the Spanish league and will be looking to consolidate on this when both sides square on Saturday, September 10.
NAIJ.com Sports presents five reasons Guardiola will win the Manchester derby here:
1. Statistics
One thing that makes this tie very interesting is the fact that both coaches have rekindled their rivalry over the years at domestic and continental levels of the game.
Guardiola and Mourinho will renew their rivalry at Old Trafford on Saturday.
When it comes to head-to-head statistics, both coaches have met 16 times with Pep claiming superiority over Mourinho having won 7 matches and lost only three matches. History could further stand against Mourinho come Saturday.
2. Better team Chemistry
Both Manchester teams have a 100% record this season but City have shaped better than United in the three matches played so far.
Manchester City players have gelled more and have been ruthless on goal
Aside from the Sunderland game, Guardiola’s men have been coasting in other matches and have shown how productive they can be in front of goal with a reasonable conversion rate.
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3. Aguero will not be missed
Irrespective of the fact that Manchester City’s star man, Sergio Aguero will not play any part in the derby, the star-studded squad have options going forward.
Aguero’s absence after his red card offence is not likely to affect Guardiola’s team. Photo: The Sun UK.
The likes of Raheem Sterling, Nolito, Kevin De Bryune, Fernandinho, Nigeria’s Kelechi Iheanacho and David Silva can get the goals for the Citizens, especially one that will make the difference if the tie turns out to be a keenly contested affair.
4. Pressure for Mourinho
Going into the contest on Saturday, much pressure will be on Guardiola’s counterpart which will give the Spaniard the advantage at Old Trafford.
The derby is a must win for Mourinho and his boys.
Although the home crowd will solidly be behind Mourinho, their expectations are likely to be cut short if the ‘noisy neighbours’ perform brilliantly on the night.
5. Better bench
Apart from Pep’s starting XI, City’s strength on the bench is considerably better than that of the red half of the city.
Yaya Toure will be starting from the bench but could be the game changer City needs.
The bench warmers include Yaya Toure, Leroy Sane, Ilkay Gundogan, Jesus Navas and Iheanacho against United’s backdrop of Morgan Schneiderlin, Micheal Carrick, Ander Herrera and Marcus Rashford.
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