Manchester United face Manchester City on Sunday in a top of the table clash in the Premier League. A defeat against City will see the gap between the Manchester rivals increase to 11 points. Although, it is still early, except for a dramatic turnaround in fortunes in the second half of the season, it is hard to see United beating City to the title.

Jose Mourinho’s tactical options against Manchester City without Paul Pogba

We previewed Mourinho’s tactical options on Sunday in the above article. It is expected that Mourinho will stick to the 3-4-2-1 formation which saw United beat Watford and Arsenal away in exciting games. This formation allows United to play three attackers in Lukaku, Martial and Lingard. City who are vulnerable to pace and runs in behind their defend will definitely be threatened by the pace of United’ front three.

Man United Lineup & Formation Prediction against Man City

Fernandinho is key to City’s balance in midfield as he allows the likes of De Bruyne and David Silva the freedom to take up more attacking positions. Jesse Lingard who was brilliant against Arsenal can occupy Fernandinho when United are defending. With the ball, Lingard can run past the Brazilian with his extra pace and bring in Lukaku and Martial into the attack. This formation will need United’ midfield and Lingard to be at their best as the wingbacks are expected to be pinned back and will find it hard to support the attack.