Manchester Derby - The Clash of the Titans

The much-awaited Manchester Derby is finally here! The two Manchester-based sides take on each other tomorrow at Old Trafford in what should be an exciting and thrilling Matchday 16 clash.

Sparks are expected to fly as the top 2 Premier League sides go up against each other. Can Pep's juggernaut be outclassed by the Portuguese tactician? Only time will tell.

Team Form

Both the sides have been phenomenal this season. However, Jose Mourinho's side has been left a step or two behind by Manchester City, who have outclassed the biggest of teams in a season which seems to be theirs.

Manchester City have 43 points from 15 games. They're still unbeaten in the Premier League and defeating them appears to be a huge task.

Pep Guardiola's side has lost just once this season and that loss too came this week itself in a UCL clash. The Blues have outclassed almost every team this season. However, the loss against Shakhtar might be a wake-up call for them.

They've been sloppy in the defence recently, not managing to keep a clean sheet in the last 4 games against Shakhtar, West Ham, Southampton and Huddersfield. United have one of the best attacks in the world and loose defending might cost them points. Guardiola needs to have his men well prepared to grab all three points from this derby.

United, on the other hand, has done pretty well also. The Reds have lost just twice in the Premier League and are presently on a 4 match winning run. They defeated Arsenal last week and are in great form. However, defeating Manchester City, who had looked nearly impossible to defeat, will not be that easy. Mourinho needs to make some plans and strategies to get the better of Guardiola in this clash of the Titans.

Team news

The Red Devils will be without Paul Pogba, Michael Carrick and Eric Bailly for this very crucial match. The French midfielder is out with a three-match ban after he was sent off last weekend in United's win against Arsenal.

Mourinho has managed the team well in the absence of Carrick and Bailly, but Pogba's absence is one problem that'll be difficult to deal with. The King-Zlatan, Matic and Phil Jones are available for the derby. A start for the Belgian Fellaini is doubtful and he'll be assessed ahead of the game.

For the visitors, David Silva will be back after he missed the team's midweek loss to Shakhtar. Captain Kompany's start is doubtful as he'll be assessed over an unspecified problem. The left-back Fabian Delph has recovered and will be available for the Derby, while defenders John Stones and Benjamin Mendy stay on the sidelines with hamstring and knee injuries respectively.

Stats and Impact of win on both sides

The Manchester United-Manchester City rivalry is one of the most iconic rivalries in not only English but also world football. The two sides have had 174 competitive meetings. The Reds have dominated City in the past, winning 72 matches out of those 174, 22 more than City's 50.

Since 2010, a total of 20 derbies have been played, out of which United have won 9, while City have won 8. In those 20, 9 were played at the Old Trafford. Surprisingly, the Reds have managed to win just 4 home derbies.

A win for the home side would take them to 38 points, still 5 points behind leaders Manchester City. United will have to work really very hard to get the better of City, who is still unbeaten in the Premier League this season. Jose Mourinho would want his side to win this one to decrease the margin of points between City and United.

If Pep Guardiola's side wins, they would move to 46 points, continuing to lead the title race. A win for City would be a confidence booster after their UEFA Champions League loss to Shakhtar and would increase their chances of winning the Premier League for the first time since the 2013/14 season.

Prediction

Manchester United 2-2 Manchester City

The match is expected to live upto its hype. The game is set to be a goalscoring thriller as both teams have been brilliant in front of the goal. It would be a test for the defenders and 2-2 looks to be a fine score as the attackers have been outstanding, while the goalkeepers have done their jobs equally well too.