Man United vs Man City: Five key battles that could decide the Manchester derby

Manchester United take on Manchester City in the Premier League at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.Read as we look at five key battles that could determine the outcome of the fixture.

De Ligt has enjoyed a brilliant start to the season, winning the joint-most number of aerial duels (17) in the league alongside Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk.Haaland has scored three goals in as many league games this term. He also has six goals and three assists in eight games against United.De Ligt came out on top in his duel with Arsenal’s Viktor Gyokeres, but Haaland will pose a different test.

Sesko is set to get his first start for Man United following the injury to Matheus Cunha, who spearheaded the attack in the first three league games.He is set to face Dias, who should return to the starting line-up after being dropped for the City’s defeat at Brighton.

Mbeumo scored in his last two appearances for Man United and was voted the club’s August Player of the Month.With Bbeumo dropping between the lines to wreak havoc on City’s defence, Rodri will seek to stop him. The Cameroonian has yet to score against the Cityzens and will be hoping to end that on Sunday.

Mazraoui could start at right wing-back, and that would see him face Doku, who is also expected to replace the injured Omar Marmoush as City’s left winger.The pair faced each other in last season’s Manchester derby. Doku is one of Europe’s best dribblers, and Mazraoui is a good one-on-one defender, making this contest potentially intriguing.

Reijnders got off to a flying start, scoring and assisting in Man City’s 4-0 victory at Wolverhampton Wanderers in the opening matchday. The 27-year-old likes to arrive late in the box to score and is adept at making key passes.Casemiro will likely start as the deepest-lying midfielder for Man United and must keep the Netherlands international under control.