The city of Manchester braces for its biggest spectacle as Manchester City hosts Manchester United in a Premier League showdown on Sunday.
However, this isn’t the typical derby narrative that Manchester football fans have grown used to over the past decade.
For years, Manchester City, under Pep Guardiola, has been dominating the league and the derby. However, this season, the story is different for the defending champions.
City are going through their worst slump losing seven of the last ten games, including their recent 2-0 defeat at Juventus in the Champions League on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, United finds itself in a similar predicament. The departure of Erik ten Hag and the arrival of Ruben Amorim initially sparked renewed hope among United fans, but it has been the same old story for the Red Devils. They are currently languishing in 13th place after consecutive losses to Arsenal and Nottingham Forest.
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times and the latest lineup news.
Man City vs. Man United live stream, TV channel in Canada
Here's how to watch this Premier League match in Canada:
TV channel: —
Live stream: Fubo
This game is not available for live TV broadcasts. Streaming options are available on Fubo which offers a free trial for new subscribers so you can try the service before you buy.
For a limited time enjoy Fubo’s holiday special and watch the Premier League, NBA, college basketball, MLB, and more for as low as $11.99/month.
What time does Man City vs. Man United kick off?
This Premier League clash takes place at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, England and kicks off on Sunday, December 15 at 4:30 p.m. local time.
Here's how that time translates across Canada:
| Date | Kickoff time | |
| Atlantic Time | Sun, Dec. 15 | 12:30 p.m. |
| Eastern Time | Sun, Dec. 15 | 11:30 a.m. |
| Central Time | Sun, Dec. 15 | 10:30 a.m. |
| Mountain Time | Sun, Dec. 15 | 9:30 a.m. |
| Pacific Time | Sun, Dec. 15 | 8:30 a.m. |
Man City vs. Man United lineups, team news
Guardiola is facing a defensive crisis for this game exacerbated by the loss of Manuel Akanji, who has been ruled out with a pelvic injury.
With John Stones and Nathan Ake struggling and Rico Lewis suspended, that means City could end up fielding a makeshift defence that could include a midfielder or youngster Jahmai Simpson-Pusey.
Rodri and Oscar Bobb remain long-term absentees, but Mateo Kovacic should be fit enough to start, meaning Jack Grealish can vacate the defensive-midfield role he played against Juventus.
Man City predicted lineup (3-2-4-1, right to left): Ederson (GK) — Walker, Dias, Gvardiol — Gundogan, Kovacic — Silva, De Bruyne, Grealish, Savinho — Haaland
Injured: Akanji (pelvis), Stones (foot), Ake (thigh), Rodri (knee), Bobb (leg), Foden (illness, doubt)
Suspended: Lewis (red card, 1/1)
United's injury picture is at long last looking largely positive, although they are still without Luke Shaw, who suffered a setback on his road to recovery.
Amorim confirmed that Jonny Evans is back in full training, having been sidelined since his first game in charge against Ipswich Town last month.
Rasmus Hojlund will likely start after scoring twice off the bench against Viktoria Plzen this week, while Mason Mount's decent cameo could earn him a starting spot.
Man United predicted lineup (3-4-3, right to left): Onana (GK) — Mazraoui, De Ligt, Martinez — Amad Diallo, Ugarte, Mainoo, Dalot — Fernandes, Hojlund, Mount
Injured: Shaw (undisclosed)
Suspended: None
Man City vs. Man United Prediction
Manchester City have won five of the last six derbies against Manchester United, which may give them the necessary mental boost to emerge as victors this time too.
However, both sides have been far from their best selves this season. Considering how vulnerable their defenses are at the moment, this Manchester Derby should be an end-to-end goal-fest with City narrowly emerging as victors
- Prediction: Man City 3-2 Man United
Premier League fixture schedule this week
All times ET
Saturday, December 14
- Arsenal vs. Everton (10:00 a.m.)
- Liverpool vs. Fulham (10:00 a.m.)
- Newcastle vs. Leicester (10:00 a.m.)
- Wolves vs. Ipswich (10:00 a.m.)
- Nottingham Forest vs. Aston Villa (12:30 p.m.)
Sunday, December 15
- Brighton vs. Crystal Palace (9:00 a.m.)
- Man City vs. Man United (11:30 a.m.)
- Southampton vs. Tottenham (2:00 p.m.)
- Chelsea vs. Brentford (2:00 p.m.)
Monday, December 16
- Bournemouth vs. West Ham (3:00 p.m.)
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