With just a quarter of the season gone this already feels like a crucial encounter for both teams.
With Manchester City stuttering and Manchester United abject, preseason predictions of a two-horse NW title race seem silly and it’s a case of back to basics for both.
While United sometimes seem on an inexorable slide south Manchester City’s problems are still comparatively minor.
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They are top of the league and playing flowing football but can’t convert their chances. Defeat at Old Trafford for either side will bring increased frustration. If it was a league game a draw would suit both but there has to be a winner on Wednesday which should make for fascinating viewing.
Kevin de Bruyne is the only real doubt from Manchester City’s A-list as Pablo Zabaleta should recover in time to be available for selection.
De Bruyne’s injury seems to just be a knock so we should perhaps expect to see his industry and class from the start against United on Wednesday at a ground where he did so much damage earlier in the season.
Both clubs are desperate for a win to alleviate their current concerns and this one is quite literally impossible to predict.
But it’s a must watch encounter and Manchester City will go their rivals with attacking intent as always.
Here’s what TFF thinks could be the City XI for a belter. Manchester City fans: will this XI win the tie?
