By Sedara Oluwadara
The Premier League returns this weekend with several blockbuster clashes on the schedule.
On Sunday, arch-rivals Manchester City and Manchester United will lock horns at the Etihad Stadium.
Man City find themselves second in the table – one point behind Arsenal – having made an unbeaten start to their Premier League campaign.As for Man Utd, they sit fifth – five points shy of Man City.
It is worth noting, however, that Erik ten Hag’s side have a game in hand over the Cityzens.Pep Guardiola’s men have yet to taste defeat in the Premier League this term, picking up five wins and two draws.
Having netted 23 goals in seven games (3.3 goals per game), Man City are the top scorers in the division by a considerable margin.
Thanks to a strong end to the previous campaign, City head into Sunday’s showdown on a 19-game unbeaten streak in the Premier League.Better still, Guardiola’s side have only lost four of their past 44 games across all competitions – highlighting their strength.
On the flip side, Man Utd have registered four wins and two losses in the Premier League this season – scoring eight goals while also conceding eight.United lost their opening two clashes, falling to Brighton (1-2) and Brentford (0-4).
However, they have turned things around since then.Thanks to four straight victories over Liverpool (2-1), Southampton (1-0), Leicester City (1-0) and Arsenal (3-1), the Red Devils find themselves in a strong position.
It is also worth noting that United haven’t conceded a goal in their last three away games across all competitions, underlining their improved defensive efforts.
Head-to-head: Man Utd have won three of their previous six Premier League meetings with City, two of which were at the Etihad Stadium.
Nine of the past ten Premier League meetings between City and United have produced over 1.5 goals, meaning Sunday’s clash should be eventful.Team news: Man city centre-back Aymeric Laporte could be ready to return from injury.
On the slip side, John Stones picked up a hamstring injury while on international duty.
Man Utd will be without the injured duo of Anthony Martial and Harry Maguire on Sunday. Donny van de Beek and Marcus Rashford are also doubts.
Although Man City are unbeaten this season, there is no hiding the fact that Man Utd have upped their game.
Plus, the Red Devils have a good recent record in this fixture.
