Man City vs Man United team news and expected line-ups: De Bruyne fit while 'woeful' Rashford keeps place and Ten Hag revisits Amrabat experiment

Manchester City will host their bitter rival, Manchester United, this weekend with teams on completely different trajectories.

Pep Guardiola's current champions They are undefeated since December and come into this match on the back of two 1-0 wins, allowing them to close the gap on the league leaders. Liverpool.

But for Erik ten Haghis team suffered the tenth defeat of the season at home against Fulham last time, and the result abruptly ended his improving fortunes.

united man We could make changes for the derby after a damaging defeat, while we could also play some Pep Roulette at the Etihad.

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Guardiola made four changes to his team ahead of the clash against Bournemouth on Saturday.

Matheus Nunes, Matthew Kovacic and Nathan Ake started for Man City on the south coast, replacing Kyle WalkerJulián Álvarez and Oscar Bobb.

There is expected to be even more turnover in midweek when City take on Luton in the FA Cup fifth round, live on talkSPORT.

And Guardiola is likely to save his big guns for the derby.

In the back, Ederson He will start in goal with Rubén Dias to maintain his ever-present role in the center of defense.

Walker could return to the lineup at right-back, with Ake preferred over Manuel Akanji, who has started the last two Premier League games.

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Juan Piedras He is expected to maintain his role in the defense, stepping up to join Rodri in midfield when City have possession.

Josko Gvardiol He would offer some competition for a place but has missed the last few games with an ankle ligament injury.

The only other injury problem has been with Kevin De Bruyne and his minutes are still managed by Guardiola.

He has only played 14 minutes in the last two league games, which will likely keep him fit to start the derby at the Etihad.

Julián Álvarez ended his 100% start rate this season at Bournemouth, but will surely return to the team this weekend.

And in front of him will be the fit one. Phil Foden who is playing the best football of his career right now.

He will probably be joined by Jeremy Doku or Bernard Silva on the opposite wing while Erling Haaland Lead the line, of course.

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Ten Hag will not be satisfied with his team's performance defeated 2-1 at home to Fulham on Saturday.

And that could lead to some changes being made to their starting lineup.

With Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia Injured and Sergio Reguilón returned to Tottenham, United do not have a fit left-back.

That meant Victor Lindelof He had to start out of position last time and had a hard time adjusting.

Another solution is possible, however, with Sofia Amrabat appearing there at the beginning of the campaign.

The Moroccan impressed on his full debut for the club in September, winning all of his tackles as a left-back against crystal Palace.

The following performances were not at that level, but Ten Hag was able to revisit that experiment and play Amrabat alongside him. Harry Maguire, Rafael Varane and Diogo Dalot.

At the base of the midfield, casemiro will begin unless his concussion lasts into the weekend, while Kobbie Mainoo continues to impress.

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Then Ten Hag could turn to his second leading scorer this season in Scott McTominay.

He has been a regular off the bench, but always makes an impact, scoring eight goals so far in the Premier League, second only to. Rasmus Hojlund.

With bricklayer assembly still out and Anthony and Amad Diallo apparently not preferred, McTominay can start in an advanced role.

He could also play an important role defensively by tracking Rodri and preventing him from orchestrating for Man City.

That would leave Bruno Fernandes out, something that has been seen several times this season, with Alejandro Garnacho on the opposite wing.

And with Hojlund absent from the derby, Mark Rashford will probably play forward again despite a 'regrettable' performance against Fulham.

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