Manchester United will be looking to bounce back from last weekend's goalless draw with Watford when they face arch rivals Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
United, who were beaten 2-0 by City in the reverse fixture at Old Trafford back in November, created a plethora of chances against the Hornets last time out but lacked a clinical touch in front of goal. And should West Ham win at Liverpool on Saturday evening and Arsenal beat Watford on Sunday afternoon, United could kick-off against City in sixth place.
Interim boss Ralf Rangnick will be hoping to nail his team selection to perfection, with City set to pose the greatest threat that his team has come up against since he landed the job. He will have some big calls to make.
READ MORE: Former Man City star names Harry Maguire concern plaguing Manchester United derby plans
Pre-match talk was around who should make up United's defence, but it appears that Rangnick has made the biggest call up front. Cristiano Ronaldo was absent from the squad when they met up on Saturday night, pointing to an exclusion from the squad.
Edinson Cavani was also a no-show, so while that does not 100 per cent rule the pair out of the game, it leaves a spot for Marcus Rashford to lead the line. Anthony Elanga deserves to hold onto his starting berth and take up the residency on the right-wing with Jadon Sancho returning and starting on the left.
Moving back to defence, goalkeeper David de Gea is a guaranteed starter between the posts. The Spaniard has been excellent this season and has been one of the very first names on the teamsheet, with his performances having improved as the campaign has unfolded.
Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw could both return to the back four They were both named on the bench last weekend as Rangnick looked to inject some fresh energy into his side after a hectic period.
Their inclusions in the team would mean that Victor Lindelof and Alex Telles would make way. Aaron Wan-Bissaka has been solid of late and his pace could be crucial against Raheem Sterling, while Raphael Varane is likely to start too.
Midfielder Scott McTominay is back available for selection after missing the last two games through illness and Rangnick has confirmed that it is possible he could start. In a game where City are likely to dominate the ball and dictate the play, his presence in midfield could be important alongside the energy of Fred. Paul Pogba could be warming the bench.
Bruno Fernandes is likely to play just ahead of them in the No.10 position and be tasked with the challenge of finding spaces and passes to get United up the pitch. He scored at the Etihad last season and will be hoping lightning strikes twice.
Predicted United line-up vs Man City: De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Maguire, Shaw; McTominay, Fred, Fernandes; Elanga, Rashford, Sancho.
Sign up to our United newsletter so you never miss an update from Old Trafford this season.
Catch up on all the latest United headlines in our United section.
