A 2-0 defeat away to Juventus last night extended the worst run of form Pep Guardiola has ever endured.
Manchester City have now claimed only one win in their last 10 matches, which came in a 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest on December 4.
In that time, the reigning Premier League champions have been dealt significant blows in the forms of a 2-1 defeat to Bournemouth, 2-1 to Brighton and Hove Albion, 4-0 to Tottenham Hotspur (at the Etihad) and 2-0 to Liverpool. Guardiola was on the receiving end of a 4-1 Champions League hammering last month, which came courtesy of Ruben Amorim in his final home game as Sporting Lisbon boss.
Manchester United have also endured tumultuous form since the campaign began, with Amorim now tasked with steadying the ship and finding some consistency. He has won twice, lost twice and drawn once since taking the reins from interim Ruud van Nistelrooy but is on back-to-back defeats heading into the Reds’ Europa League clash this evening.
Why Man City will relish Manchster derby timing, according to Rio Ferdinand
Erling Haaland of Man City at Selhurst Park.
(Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
Given that the cross-city rivals are both navigating such turbulent spells, it makes Sunday’s derby perhaps one of the most difficult to predict in recent years. That being said, Rio Ferdinand believes it comes at just the right time for the Blues, who have the advantage of hosting United on their home turf.
“Man City couldn’t ask for a better game than the one that’s coming up this weekend, by the way. The Manchester derby,”the ex-United defender told the TNT Sports panel, as cited by Manchester Evening News.
“If they want to get themselves back on track, beating United won’t reinstall every bit of confidence and paper over all the cracks, but it will go a long way to reinvigorating this team and squad if they were to get a result. But I’m backing the mighty Reds. They’re in great form as well, by the way! It’s a battle of no confidence.”
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