The Trafford v Manchester Derby.

If the game is on, that is…

v Manyoo

Busy day / restricted time so I’ll just get on with a basic one for this important game [for them]…

Cold Trafford

Predicted line-up, subs and outcome:

(Number correct from starting line-up in the last, Premier League game: 9/11).

Fluid 4-1-4-1 / 4-5-1 / 4-3-3:

___________________Aguero____________________

____Sane___________________________Sterling____

___________D. Silva__________De Bruyne_________

_________________Fernandinho__________________

Delph___________________________________Walker

___________Otamendi_______Kompany___________

___________________Ederson____________________

Subs: Bravo, Danilo, Mangala, Zinchenko, Gundogan, B. Silva, Jesus.

Quick write up on this one…

That’s about the strongest 11 in many ways. After telling us that David will play, I’m not having it that Pep believes Vinny & Fabian are doubts. Most of the ‘first 11’ have had a restful week and should be fresh for this encounter.

Notable absences: John Stones (injured for about another 3 weeks), Benjamin Mendy (continues rehab following injury / surgery) & Yaya Toure (not selected).

Do I agree with Pep’s (predicted) line-up?

I’ll have that.

Result? On hearing that David Silva was a doubt along with, later, both Vincent Kompany and possibly Fabian Delph, I was starting to lean ever so slightly towards this one being a draw. However, I’m going for a City win and a nice 11-points clear come Sunday night.

Last season’s, corresponding pre-match prediction and result…

Prediction: Draw

Result: Win

Expected weather conditions during the game: With light, sometimes heavy snow forecasted for most of Saturday and then light snow the prediction for most of Sunday; should the game go ahead depending on Police advice for travelling fans, it’ll be a cold one at just 1C with snow continuing to fall during the match.