John Stones is expected to miss Manchester City’s match against Manchester United at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
The center-back was forced off with what appeared to be a hamstring injury during England’s international break against Germany, and while there has been no confirmation of the problem, he is unlikely to play in the derby.
Better news for City is that Aymeric Laporte has resumed first-team training, despite the fact that the center-back has yet to play this season following knee surgery in the summer. He’s getting closer to returning, though this weekend will be too soon.
Kalvin Phillips is a longer-term absentee who is racing against the clock to recover from shoulder surgery in time for the World Cup.
While Manuel Akanji has been impressive since arriving from Borussia Dortmund, Nathan Ake could be the preferred partner for Ruben Dias in defense. Kyle Walker missed the trip to Wolves before the international break but is fully fit again.
Phil Foden will be hoping to continue his run of starting every Premier League match this season, though Jack Grealish’s goal against Wolves may not be enough to keep him in the side.
A key decision for Pep Guardiola comes in midfield, with Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva competing for a spot alongside Rodri and Kevin De Bruyne. Should Gundogan get the nod, Silva will likely play in the front three with Grealish on the bench.
Erling Haaland gets his first taste of a Manchester derby, with 11 league goals to his name already. Bournemouth is the only side in either the Premier League or Champions League to stop him from scoring this season.
Predicted Manchester City XI: Ederson; Walker, Dias, Ake, Cancelo; Rodri, Gundogan, De Bruyne; Foden, Silva, Haaland
Leave a Reply