Pep Guardiola and Manchester City will feel hard-done by after their latest suspension blow ahead of the clash with Manchester United on the weekend.
Manchester United and Ruben Amorim have a challenging test against rivals Manchester City next weekend.
While the Reds haven’t hit form under their new 39-year-old manager yet, Pep Guardiola is currently facing his toughest spell as City boss.
United’s rivals have won just once in their last nine outings, with six of those games ending in defeat. They look at their most vulnerable with Rodri out with a long-term injury.
The Spanish manager suffered a further blow during their latest game against Crystal Palace, where two points were dropped during a 2-2 draw.
Rico Lewis was sent off in that game after receiving a second yellow card late on in the second half of the Selhurst Park clash.
It seemed like the City player had caught Trevoh Chalobah inside the Palace box. However, with the benefit of replays, no contact was made from Lewis.
VAR was unable to intervene since the incident was for a second yellow card, rather than a straight red.
But many City fans were hoping that an appeal could overturn the one-match ban for Lewis which rules him out of the Manchester Derby.
However, FA rules state that players who are sent off for receiving two yellow cards are unable to appeal the decision to the Football Association.
This means Lewis will definitely be suspended for next weekend’s Premier League game against Manchester United.
The English defender-slash-midfielder has started 12 of City’s opening 15 league fixtures this season.
His absence almost certainly means that Kyle Walker will start the clash against United. The City captain has been in horrendous form this season but is the only other natural option at right back.
Guardiola’s anger at the decision to send Lewis off on the weekend was shown during his post-match interview with the BBC, where he made little sense in yet another strange moment for the City boss.
Pep Guardiola discussing Rico Lewis' red card vs Crystal Palace… 👀⤵️
Pep: "It's because it's Rico."
Reporter: "Sorry?"
Pep: "It's Rico."
Reporter: "Sorry, I couldn't understand you…"
Pep: "It's because it's Rico."
Reporter: "It's because it's Rico Lewis you think he…
— City Xtra (@City_Xtra) December 7, 2024
United, meanwhile, will travel to the Etihad Stadium with close to a fully fit squad. Currently, Victor Lindelöf, Luke Shaw and Jonny Evans are the only players unavailable.
Amorim will face Guardiola’s side for the first time since his Sporting side’s incredible 4-1 win in the Champions League last month.
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