Southgate: Lingard and Sancho haven’t played enough for Man United
Gareth Southgate explains the reason’s he has left out Manchester United trio, Jese Lingard, Jadon Sancho and Mason Greenwood from his latest England squad.
Manchester United vs Manchester City: Line-ups
Manchester United
Manchester City
Blue Side of Manchester Primed for Win
#1
Having managed to pull themselves out of their rut – at least for now – with victory at Spurs, Man United are hanging on to their fifth-placed position in the table after 10 matches, but Arsenal are now only behind Solskjaer’s men on goal difference.
#2
Worryingly for the Old Trafford faithful, United have taken just one point from their last three home games in the Premier League – scoring a solitary goal in that miserable streak – and not since April’s win over Granada have the Red Devils crowd seen their side keep a clean sheet on familiar territory.
#3
The reigning Premier League champions were dealt another early blow in their pursuit of a sixth crown in the competition, but Pep Guardiola’s side responded in ideal fashion against Club Brugge in the Champions League, easing to a 4-1 win courtesy of goals from Raheem Sterling, Gabriel Jesus, Phil Foden and Riyad Mahrez.
#4
Having seen their eight-game unbeaten run in the top flight come to a bitter end, third-placed City are now five points adrift of leaders Chelsea after 10 matches, but they have taken 10 points from the last 12 on offer away from home in the Premier League.
#5
Despite posting two EFL Cup wins against their rivals in recent years, City are winless in four Premier League Manchester derbies – failing to score in any of their last three – but not many United fans will be placing bets on their side’s hot streak continuing on Saturday.
DPP Verdict
Had Eric Bailly not performed out of his skin in midweek, United could very well have shipped more against Atalanta, and the visit of another free-flowing attacking side in Man City spells trouble for Solskjaer and his depleted defence. United’s failures to keep the back door shut at home for the past six months have been alarming, and even though City have struggled for goals in recent derbies, we can only envisage the blue side of Manchester celebrating come the full-time whistle.
