Man City vs Man Utd prediction: How will Premier League Manchester derby play out today?
Manchester City host bitter rivals United this evening, with the pressure very much on Pep Guardiola’s side after Liverpool eased past Bournemouth earlier this afternoon.
Liverpool’s win means that the Reds now boast a commanding fourteen point lead over City, who also trail Leicester City.
United have made a similarly inauspicious start to the new season but did beat Tottenham at Old Trafford on Wednesday night and they will go fifth with a win. Follow live coverage below:
Hello and welcome along to the start of another Premier League weekend, and there are some belting fixtures to look out for. The Manchester derby might be the pick of the bunch later this evening, but first up is Everton vs Chelsea, as Duncan Ferguson takes charge of the Toffees following the sacking of Marco Silva this week.
The big news coming out of Goodison Park this week was, of course, the sacking of Marco Silva.
The Portuguese had been on borrowed time for what feels an eternity, and while other failing clubs acted with managerial dismissals, Everton dithered in the latest sign that they have no idea what they want to be:
Everton defender Michael Keane has explained how the mood is at the club following the dismissal of Marco Silva, he said:
"It has been really difficult, all the lads are really disappointed. He is a great person and a really good manager. We’re disappointed it didn’t work out."
But he added that having Duncan Ferguson in charge may be an advantage saying:
“I think we will see a different style of play, he’s motivated us and we’re desperate to get a win for him, the fans and ourselves. We’ll fight for him.
“We've had a change of managers and the fans will be up for it and we have to use that to our advantage.”
Everton need to avoid defeat today. They're currently in the relegation zone at 18th place in the league and a victory would see them shoot up to 14th.
One point would be enough to get them out of the relegation zone at least until Southampton play later this weekend.
For Chelsea, a win would would bring them level on points with third placed Manchester City who face Manchester United in this evenings game.
Everton caretaker boss Duncan Ferguson on the impact of his appointment and the changes he's made to the starting line up:
"We've been positive, everyone has got a smile on their face and working hard. It is only a small amount of time but we've tried to pick them up."
"I felt we needed some fresh legs, Tom Davies has done well and it was a tough decision but he's played a few matches. Yerry Mina has a hamstring injury so that was forced on us."
Chelsea manager, Frank Lampard, says his side need to be wary of Everton as he expects a bounce effect from the new caretaker managerial appointment. He said:
"It means it is a potentially more dangerous game for us, we all know when there is a change there can be a bounce effect - especially when they bring in a club legend like Duncan Ferguson is.
"And with the way he approached the game as a player, you would imagine they will have a go. You know they will give everything for a result which will turn things around for them.
"As a player I always thought at a stadium the fans can set the tone and they will be up for it. It's up to us to counter that with how we play and our aggression.
"We were really good against Villa - the only thing was we didn't score more goals. I expect more of the same."
Frank Lampard was given a boost yesterday as the transfer ban on the club was lifted meaning Chelsea are able to sign new players in the January transfer window. A win against Everton today would be the icing on the cake. Here are the details:
Tammy Abraham is the second top scorer in the Premier League this season with 11 goals and three assists from 14 league appearances. Only Leicester's Jamie Vardy (14) has more goals than him this campaign.
This is going to be a tough, tough task for Duncan Ferguson.
Chelsea have won each of the past 12 Premier League matches against newly-appointed coaches, or those managing their club in the top flight for the first time.
Everton defeated Chelsea 2-0 in March but since then Chelsea have been in free flowing goal scoring form.
However, Chelsea have conceded in every Premier League away game this season so Everton will get chances to win this game.
Kick off in Merseyside is about five minutes away. After the we'll be bringing you coverage of Bournemouth vs Liverpool at 3pm before the Manchester Derby gets underway at 5:30pm.
The teams head out on to the pitch, which Everton will we see today?
Kick off: Chelsea get the game started. A long ball forward is headed back out to Iwobi for Everton. He attempts a ball over the top to Calvert-Lewin but Christensen intercepts.
3 mins: James sends the ball across the pitch and up to Azpilicueta who gets forward and in behind Sidibe. Pulisic makesa run into the box but Azpilicueta's pass is a poor one and the ball goes out for a goal kick before Pulisic catches up to it.
5 mins: GOAL! Everton win the ball on the halfway line and break quickly. Calvert-Lewin gives it to Richarlison who brings the ball into the middle of the pitch before sending it out to the right wing and running into the box. Sidibe collects the ball and puts in a cross. Richarlison wins the header and finds the back of the net. Everton lead!
9 mins: Chelsea haven't won this season when they've gone behind, but Everton have dropped the most points when they've been in front. Who's going to come on top in this one?
Pulisic wins a throw in on the left side for Chelsea. They've been the better side so far yet they're behind in the game.
12 mins: Everton are working hard. They're pressing Chelsea, pushing them backwards and the fans appreciate the effort.
Richarlison is almost in again. Pickford finds Calvert-Lewin who knocks it down to Walcott. Walcott slots a cross into the six yard box and Richarlison throws himself at the ball but is unable to reach it.
18 mins: Chelsea mess up a great chance to equalise. Keane makes a big mistake at the back and Willian picks up the ball before slotting it to Abraham in the box. He passes back to Willian whose first touch is poor and he can't get a shot off.
Aymeric Laporte, Leroy Sane, Sergio Aguero and Oleksandr Zinchenko are all out for City. Fernandinho is however working his way back to full fitness and could feature.
Anthony Martial is still out for United meaning Mason Greenwood could retain his place.
Paul Pogba, Diogo Dalot, Eric Bailly and Timothy Fosu-Mensah are all out.
What are the predicted line-ups?
Man City XI: Ederson; Cancelo, Otamendi, Fernandinho, Mendy; De Bruyne, Rodri, David Silva; Bernardo Silva, Jesus, Sterling
Man Utd XI: De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Maguire, Williams; McTominay, Fred, Pereira; James, Greenwood, Rashford
How can I watch the match?
The match will be shown live on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event.
Can I stream the match online?
Yes. The match will be available to watch on Now TV with a day pass, sold for £8.99. Sky Sports subscribers can meanwhile stream the match online via Sky Go.
When is the match?
The match takes place on Saturday 7 December 2019.
It kicks-off at 5.30pm GMT.
What are the odds?
Man City to win: 1/3
Man Utd to win: 10/1
Draw: 5/1
What is our prediction?
An entertaining 2-2 draw.
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