Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Man City team news: Predicted 4-3-3 line up to face Man Utd – De Bruyne injury latest
MANCHESTER CITY will be without Kevin De Bruyne for their crunch clash with Manchester United at Old Trafford tonight (8pm).
Pep Guardiola will have to make do without one of his most influential midfielders after De Bruyne picked up a hamstring injury against Tottenham.
The Belgian was forced off in the first half of the 1-0 win over Spurs after appearing to suffer a problem while shooting from outside the box.
De Bruyne limped off and is a serious doubt for the remainder of the season, although Guardiola believes Phil Foden – who scored the winner at the Etihad – is a viable replacement.
Speaking after the vital victory, Guardiola said: “Maybe we can play Phil against United, Kevin will not be there.
“He [Foden] is an incredibly talented player with an ability to arrive in the box, which is how he got his goal. Every time he plays he either scores goals or makes chances.”
However, it is more likely that City will deploy both Bernardo Silva and David Silva in midfield alongside the recalled Fernandinho.
Ilkay Gundogan is another option, having played 90 minutes against Tottenham at the weekend while Leroy Sane could be recalled on the left wing.
Raheem Sterling is almost certain to start once again, leaving Riyad Mahrez on the bench, and Sergio Aguero should be preferred to Gabriel Jesus.
Meanwhile, Benjamin Mendy is doubtful after the French full-back did not play against Spurs and was not spotted in training on Monday, meaning Oleksandr Zinchenko is favourite to get the nod at left-back.
The rest of the back four is set to remain unchanged with Kyle Walker at right-back and John Stones lining up alongside Aymeric Laporte.
Nicolas Otamendi and Vincent Kompany are other options for Guardiola if City opt for a more physical approach in the derby.
City are currently two points behind Liverpool in the race for the Premier League title but will move top if they win their game in hand tonight.
Manchester City predicted line-up vs Manchester United – Premier League
(4-3-3): Ederson; Walker, Stones, Laporte, Zinchenko; Fernandinho, B. Silva, D. Silva; Sterling, Sane, Aguero