Manchester United v MAN CITY – The PREVIEW: City’s Probable Team

Pablo Zabaleta should return to the defence in place of Bacary Sagna after sitting out the defeat to Crystal Palace, whilst Vincent Kompany is expected to be risked even though he is battling a slightly hamstring injury. If the captain is forced out, then Eliaquim Mangala will step in to the side.

James Milner is likely to replace Edin Dzeko, with Pellegrini surely reverting to just Sergio Aguero up front. Samir Nasri is vying with Jesus Navas for a slot in midfield. Wilfried Bony and Stevan Jovetic are both sidelined.

Sergio Aguero’s goalscoring record against United is magnificent and he’s a tempting 6/1 to score the opener on Sunday.

Here is the side Pellegrini could select:

Referee: Mark Clattenburg.

Prediction: Manchester United 1 – 1 MAN CITY – Derbies are horrible to predict at the best of times, but with United in good form and City woefully not, the home side probably head in as favourites. City’s recent record in derbies, however, is splendid and that knowhow, of going to Old Trafford and winning, should not be overlooked. I doubt it’ll be a classic derby, but I’ll go for 1-1 with Wayne Rooney and Sergio Aguero to grab the goals.

Yaya Touré to score the first goal at 10/1 stands out as decent value. Vincent Kompany to do the same at 41/1 looks worthy of a bet as well.

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