Manchester City prepare face their fate as they make the short trip to Stretford to face rivals Manchester United in the 199th Manchester derby on Sunday.
Elliot Anderson is expected to return to the Manchester City line-up on Sunday.
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Tuesday night saw the Blues take a trip to the Estadio do Dragao in a bid to withstand an FC Porto side just as eager to make a fast start to their European campaign.
It was a record-breaking Erling Haaland brace which grabbed both the headlines and the three points for Manchester City - his second of the two sending him seventh in the all time UEFA Champions League goalscoring charts, and making him the fastest player to achieve such feat, with 59 goals in as many games.
A second clean sheet secured in a row came after a robust and intelligent defensive display, with Porto's threats coming short to either the partnership of Marc Guehi and Ruben Dias, or the safe hands of Gianluigi Donnarumma - three of City's four captains this season.
Enzo Maresca's side now look towards their biggest test yet, as they stake their claim to keep their gleaming perfect record intact this Sunday afternoon in an early-season visit to Old Trafford, home of local rivals Manchester United.
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has issued an update on the fitness and availability of both Nico O'Reilly and Jeremy Doku ahead of Sunday's Manchester derby at Old Trafford.cityxtra.co.ukEnzo Maresca Issues Nico O'Reilly and Jeremy Doku Update Ahead of Man United Clash
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has issued an update on the fitness and availability of both Nico O'Reilly and Jeremy Doku ahead of Sunday's Manchester derby at Old Trafford.
Bitter memories from the Blue side of Manchester arise at the thought of the last clash of blue and red, which saw Michael Carrick's men dominate on home soil and claim a deserved 2-0 victory on derby day last March.
However, it is new head coach Enzo Maresca's challenge to right the wrongs of the last meeting, and bring Manchester's bragging rights to the blue sector at the first time of asking in the hotseat.
A huge match for both sides this weekend; this is how we think City will line up in the Manchester derby!
Predicted XI
There can only be one man to stand between the sticks on this occasion. Gianluigi Donnarumma made his City debut in a 3-0 derby win a year ago, and has made a solid start to this season, and popping up with some crucial saves across the past few matches.
Matheus Nunes has quietly become one of the most vital parts to City's engine. The former Wolves midfielder has found a new lease of life in his right-back spot and brings attacking support in all the right places, while also providing impetus in transition.
Matheus Nunes has said he expects to continue playing at right-back under Enzo Maresca ahead of Tuesday night's UEFA Champions League group-stage opener against Porto in Portugal.cityxtra.co.ukNunes Delivers Classy Response to Man City Role Question Under Maresca
Matheus Nunes has said he expects to continue playing at right-back under Enzo Maresca ahead of Tuesday night's UEFA Champions League group-stage opener against Porto in Portugal.
A new rearguard partnership has found it's blossom at the start of the new season. Marc Guehi and Ruben Dias stand central to a solid and well-oiled defensive line, and their communicative skills could come in handy against United.
Josko Gvardiol can play seemingly anywhere across the backline, and the reliability offered by the Croatian international in mulitple facets of play both on and off the ball, his prowess moving forward from left-back will be useful in such a pressurised environment.
With the unfortunate back injury sustained by PFA Young Player of the Year Nico O'Reilly in the warmup to the Coventry match las Saturday, Enzo Fernandez stepped up to make his debut. The Argentinian gave a neat and tidy performance and was excellent away in Porto on Tuesday night. He should thrive under the derby cirrcumstances.
One of the first names on the team sheet for this derby match will undoubtedly be summer acquisition Elliot Anderson. The Englishman's long sought-after signature came with a price tag, but his early performances already look like paying it back. With his hound-like aggression and pinpoint precision for a pass, the untrained eye would assume he has been a City player for several years.
The question on every Manchester City fan's lips surely?cityxtra.co.ukShould Elliot Anderson, Ayyoub Bouaddi and Enzo Fernandez Start Together in Midfield Against Man United? - Community Post
The question on every Manchester City fan's lips surely?
Phil Foden is still looking for ways to reignite the flame that once was, but a performance against Man United on their turf will go a long way to lighting that fire. 'The Stockport Iniesta' boasts an impressive seven derby goals on his record and will hope to repeat history on Sunday.
Rayan Cherki has mesmerised fans of all persuasions since his arrival in Manchester last summer, and his start to this campaign has been no different. He has the charming ability to pull something out of seemingly nothing when it matters most - a crucial skill in the Manchester derby.
Another player who has made a solid start to the season is Antoine Semenyo. The Ghanaian is one of Maresca's most reliable men, and looks to have a telepathic relationship with Erling Haaland in the box.
A Manchester City line up wouldn't be complete without the marvellous Erling Haaland leading the line, and the Norwegian will be looking to further stretch his evergreen goal tally in inflicting defeat on his bitter rivals this weekend.
Manchester City forward Erling Haaland has called upon his teammates to maintain their hunger after a strong start to their 2026/27 UEFA Champions League season on Tuesday night.cityxtra.co.ukWe Have to Deliver on the Biggest Stage, Says Haaland in UCL Message to Man City Squad
Manchester City forward Erling Haaland has called upon his teammates to maintain their hunger after a strong start to their 2026/27 UEFA Champions League season on Tuesday night.
Starting XI: Donnarumma; Nunes, Guehi, Dias, Gvardiol; Fernandez, Anderson; Foden, Cherki, Semenyo; Haaland
Substitutes: Rulli, Ait Nouri, Khusanov, Lewis, Kovacic, Bouaddi, McAidoo, Ndiaye, Allan