This is the predicted lineup for Manchester City’s derby game against Manchester United. The Citizens have won both of their games after the international break, and with a win on Sunday, they have a chance to move within four points of third-placed Nottingham Forest. Although they lost their last game against Nottingham Forest, Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United side will be buoyed by their recent good record against City.
Manchester City Predicted Lineup vs Manchester United in Huge Derby Clash
United (A) archives 📸🎞️ pic.twitter.com/hWYgpPWJkV
— Manchester City (@ManCity) April 4, 2025
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How Manchester City Have Lined-up Recently
Ederson has solidified his place in Manchester City’s goal over the last two games. However, his struggles to maintain fitness this season have meant that Stefan Ortega Moreno has made 10 league starts this term.
The back four in City’s last outing was made up of Matheus Nunes at right-back, Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol in the centre of defence and homegrown starlet Nico O’Reilly, who earned a place at left-back after impressing in the second half of City’s two-one FA Cup win over Bournemouth.
Despite being rested for that cup match, January signing Nico Gonzalez came back into the City team to partner Ilkay Gundogan, who has looked revitalised in recent games, in the centre of midfield.
Jack Grealish played as a central attacking midfielder against Leicester to add some control to an attack, which had the explosive ability of Savinho and Jeremy Doku on either flank with Omar Marmoush leading the line.
Manchester City’s Recent Form and Tactics
Manchester City’s form looked like it was beginning to tail off once again before the March international break. Of the 10 games before the break, City won just four, two of which were against lower-level opposition in the FA Cup. That poor run also saw them get eliminated from the Champions League by Real Madrid.
However, the pause in club football has seemingly allowed City’s players to mentally reset. They have won both games since the resumption of club football, showing good character to come back from behind against Bournemouth and restricting Leicester to just two shots in the entire game.
Pep Guardiola still has not been able to find a settled tactical system or use a settled team this season. The Citizens lined up in a 4-3-2-1 against the Cherries but reverted to a 4-2-3-1 against the Foxes.
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Manchester City Injuries to Consider
City’s injury situation looks much the same as it did on Tuesday.
The one major change is that Oscar Bobb looks to be fully back in first-team contention. The Norwegian made his first league appearance of the season and first City appearance since the Community Shield against Leicester, where he was given just over five minutes off the bench.
Rodri is still ruled out for the foreseeable future and Nathan Ake is four weeks into what was estimated to be an 11-week recovery period after his foot surgery. John Stones and the newest addition to the injury list, Erling Haaland, are not expected back until the first weeks of May, while Manuel Akanji looks to be at least three weeks away from a return.
Manchester City Predicted Lineup
GK: Ederson
RB: Abdukodir Khusanov
CB: Ruben Dias
CB: Josko Gvardiol
LB: Nico O’Reilly
DM: Nico Gonzalez
CM: Ilkay Gundogan
CM: Bernardo Silva
RW: Savinho
LW: Jeremy Doku
ST: Omar Marmoush
