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Man City vs Man Utd: United can win because of ONE player - Jamie Redknapp
MANCHESTER UNITED can upset the odds and beat Manchester City today - because Kevin De Bruyne is not available for the hosts.
Man City: Pep Guardiola 'sad' for injured Kevin De Bruyne
That is according to Sky Sports pundit and former Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp.
De Bruyne is currently out with a knee injury he picked up in the Carabao Cup win over Fulham last month.
It is the second injury the Belgian has had this season, after also suffering a knee injury in August which kept him out for over two months.
City have fared well without De Bruyne though and are unbeaten after 11 Premier League matches heading into today’s visit of United.
They are going to miss Kevin De Bruyne. That’s why I think today might not be the worst time to play them
Some pundits have claimed Manchester City look even better than they were last season in their record-breaking title win.
But Redknapp disagrees, saying the absence of De Bruyne for the majority of the games so far has affected them.
And he reckons it could be a good day for Manchester United to play their rivals with the 27-year-old not featuring.
“Are they better this season?” Redknapp said of City.
"I would probably say no.
“And the reason why is because of Kevin De Bruyne with the injury that he has.
“He was such a vital part and when he comes back of course then they will be back at their best.
“But they’re an incredible team to watch, they can bring in players like Bernardo Silva who’s a magician as well.
“So they’ve got so much quality in all areas of the pitch.
“But they are going to miss Kevin De Bruyne.
“That’s why I think today might not be the worst time to play them.”
Paul Pogba was not fit enough to make the United squad after picking up an injury in midweek.
Romelu Lukaku returned to the bench after two weeks out.