Manchester United vs Manchester City – the biggest game of the season so far, made all that more spicy thanks to the rivalry that exists between the two new managers of the two teams. Whenever Jose Mourinho clashes with Pep Guardiola it is big news, and hopefully, the match on the pitch lives up to the expectations.
With both teams beginning their season with 100% records, there is plenty at stake as United host City at Old Trafford. It looks quite obvious that the two teams will be title contenders this season, considering the strength of the squad and the fact that two managers, who have won titles, titles and more titles are at the helm.
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Mourinho and Guardiola are not exactly the best of friends, having clashed a fair few times during their time in Spain, and with the first installment of the rivalry in England coming on Saturday, expect a few fireworks, ideally most of it on the pitch.
There are plenty of players capable of providing those fireworks on the pitch too, chief of them being Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who will want to put his stamp on the Manchester derby, not just to show again he is far from a fading force, but also to prove a point to Guardiola, who had an unhappy relationship with the striker when the two were at Barcelona.
Apart from Ibrahimovic, though, there are plenty of players capable of lighting up this derby, be that Wayne Rooney, the new world's most expensive player Paul Pogba, David Silva or Kevin de Bruyne.
Usually, when the game is as high-profile as this one is, it ends up being a bit of a damp squib, with both teams wary of each other and extra cautious in order to not make the first mistake. So, to help the game open up a little more, an early goal is important.
It does not matter which team scores that early goal, because it will immediately force the other to go forward, which in turn leads to a better spectacle.
While Mourinho is known for his defensive tactics and Guardiola for his possession one, it will be interesting to see what these two world-class managers have in store for the Manchester derby.
Having conceded just one goal in the Premier League so far, Manchester United certainly look like the more assured team at the back, but then Manchester City have looked better going forward.
And when you have players like Silva, De Bruyne, Nolito and an in-form Raheem Sterling, goals are bound to come, even with Sergio Aguero out through suspension.
For Manchester United, who are likely to see less of the ball, it is about taking the opportunities when they do come their way. Ibrahimovic has already shown this season that he does not need to have a great game to be influential; all it takes is one chance. Mourinho will hope the big man has got his scoring boots/head on again, because Manchester United need Ibrahimovic at his best to solve the Guardiola-Manchester City puzzle.
Where to Watch Live
The Manchester derby is scheduled for a 5 p.m. IST (12.30 p.m. BST, 7.30 a.m. ET) start. Live Streaming and TV information below.
India: TV: Star Sports 2 and Star Sports select HD2. Live Streaming: Hotstar.
UK: Sky Sports 1. Live streaming: Watch Sky Sports.
USA: TV: NBCSN. Live Streaming: NBC live.
Australia: TV: Optus Sport and SBS One. Live Streaming: Optus Online.
Canada: TV: Sportsnet. Live Streaming: Sportsnet World Online.
