Manuel Akanji, the midfielder for Manchester City, will be absent from the Sunday’s match against Manchester United due to suspension. Akanji received two yellow cards and was sent off during the game against Brighton. However, the preferred center back pairing of John Stones and Ruben Dias is expected to start.

Another notable absentee is Kevin De Bruyne, who is not anticipated to return until after the New Year.

In terms of additions to the squad, Phil Foden and Julian Alvarez, who both made substitute appearances in the recent victory over Young Boys, are set to feature. The attacking position alongside Erling Haaland is likely to be contested between Jack Grealish and Jeremy Doku, with Grealish’s more restrained style potentially being favored.

Manchester City currently occupies the second position in the table, trailing Tottenham by just one point. On the other hand, Manchester United, who finished third in the previous season, have encountered a challenging start to the campaign, having suffered defeats in four out of their first nine matches.

While City is six points and a position ahead of United, Pep Guardiola is wary after Erik Ten Hag’s side won the comparable match last season.

“United have always had that feeling – it doesn’t matter who the manager is – they are a tough, tough opponent,” Guardiola said.

“The qualities of the individuals they have, the stadium, the character they have, the momentum. They can score goals, we know the quality they have. Always that has been and always it will be.”

Manchester City predicted XI: Ederson; Walker, Stones, Dias, Gvardiol; Rodri, Silva; Grealish, Alvarez, Foden; Haaland

Out: De Bruyne, Akanji (suspended)

Time and date: 3.30pm on Sunday, October 29, 2023

Venue: Old Trafford