Manchester derby preview: Khusanov expected to play for City

On April 6, the derby between the two Manchester clubs will take place as part of the 31st round of the English Premier League. Manchester United will host Manchester City at their home stadium, Old Trafford. City defender Abdukadir Khusanov is expected to start in this match.

What are the chances of Khusanov playing in the derby?

Manchester City's Uzbek defender Abdukodir Khusanov played one half in the last cup match and was substituted. He was not included in the roster for the match against Leicester. Coach Guardiola explained this by saying that Khusanov was saved for the derby match. In the match against Leicester, Nico O'Reilly started at left wing-back, while Yosko Guardiola was moved to central defense. Khusanov has no injuries and is ready for the match against Manchester United.

History of mutual meetings

These two Manchester clubs have met a total of 195 times, with United winning 80 of them and City winning 62. There have been 53 draws. The last time the teams met was on December 15, 2024, at the Etihad Stadium, where Manchester United won 2-1. Before this match, Manchester United lost 1-0 at Nottingham Forest, while Manchester City beat Leicester City 2-0 at home.

Squad losses

Both teams are entering this match with significant losses in their squads. Manchester United will miss first-round hero Amad Diallo, midfielder Kobbie Mainou, and defenders Jonny Evans, Lisandro Martinez, and Luke Shaw due to injury. In the Manchester City squad, the team’s main striker Erling Haaland, midfielder Rodri, and defenders Nathan Ake, John Stones, and Manuel Akanji will also be unavailable.

Estimated lineups

As with every match, several portals have announced their estimated lineups for the game.

According to “Opta”...

Manchester United lineup:

Onana, Yoro, De Ligt, Mazraoui, Dalot, Dorgu, Casemiro, Ugarte, Fernandes, Garnacho, Zirkzee.

Manchester City lineup:

Ederson, Nunes, Dias, Guardiola, O'Reilly, Gundogan, Nico, Savino, Grealish, Doku, Marmus.

According to “Sportsmole”...

Manchester United lineup:
Onana, Mazraoui, De Ligt, Yoro, Dalot, Ugarte, Fernandes, Dorgu, Mount, Garnacho, Hoylund.

Manchester City lineup:
Ederson, Nunes, Dias, Guardiola, O'Reilly, Gundogan, Nico, Savino, Grealish, Doku, Marmush.

Both portals have left Uzbek player Abdukodir Khusanov on the bench. This is because Nico O'Reilly, who came off the bench in the previous cup match and recorded two assists, is expected to start the game today. The final decision regarding the starting lineup will be made by Guardiola.

For information, this match will start today, April 6, at 20:30 Tashkent time.