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2022/23 English Premier League
Matchday 9
Manchester City v Manchester United
Etihad Stadium
Manchester, England
Sunday, 2 October 2022
Kick-off is at 15h00 CAT
Manchester City will be seeking their third consecutive victory over cross-town rivals Manchester United when they meet in the 188th
Manchester derby on Sunday, October 2.
City did the league double over United last season, winning 2-0 at Old Trafford before dishing out a 4-1 hammering at the Etihad Stadium four months later.
Pep Guardiola's side have made an unbeaten start to their title defence, although they've already dropped four points in draws against Newcastle (3-3) and Aston Villa (1-1).
The Citizens beat Wolves 3-0 at Molineux last time out to stay in touch with Arsenal, trailing them by a point in second place after seven games.
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New signing Manuel Akanji made his City debut in the Black Country and Guardiola was impressed with the defender's performance as he played the full 90 minutes.
"More than exceptional - he is so, so clever – whether the play is short or long - when he goes, he goes, but not too much to give away a penalty or cause falls," the Spaniard said of Akanji.
"He is so aggressive to go across the opponent and has the perfect temperament to control the situation. Really, really good."
The Red Devils are finally starting to gel under Erik ten Hag, whose reign got off to the worst possible start following back-to-back defeats against Brighton and Brentford.
However, Ten Hag has overseen a swift turnaround in fortunes, with United winning their next four matches, including a 3-1 success over league leaders Arsenal.
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They are now five points adrift of their neighbours in fifth position with a game in hand and Ten Hag is keeping his fingers crossed that none of his players pick up injuries during the international break, which he is using to improve the structure at the club.
"It's [the international break] very useful. We have many meetings, we have to improve the structures in and around the club," the Dutchman said.
"Of course, [you get these] periods after a game, but we have to be ready for that and many players, let's say 90%, are away. But the others, we will train properly and for the rest we have to prepare very well.
"I hope that everyone stays fit and return back healthy and then we have to get into attack."
Head-to-Head (Last Five Premier League Meetings)
Matches - 5
Man City - 2
Man United - 2
Draws - 1
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