Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has outlined his tactical approach to Sunday's Manchester derby at Old Trafford, outlining the importance of Elliot Anderson in the fixture.
Elliot Anderson has made an impressive start to life at the Etihad Stadium
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City travel to Manchester United off the back of a perfect start to the season, four wins from four across the Premier League and UEFA Champions League.
Maresca's side were required to defend deep at times against Coventry and Porto, with Gianluigi Donnarumma making key saves to preserve clean sheets in both games.
The Italian is wary of a Manchester United side that has shown a willingness to hurt teams on the counter-attack since the arrival of new manager Ruben Amorim.
Elliot Anderson was rested for the midweek trip to Porto, coming off the bench in the second-half. The England international is expected to return to the starting XI on Sunday, three years on from the last time City won a Manchester derby at Old Trafford.
Manchester City also have Enzo Fernandez, outstanding on his European debut in sky blue against Porto, and Ayyoub Bouaddi to call upon in midfield, making the central third the most competitive area of Maresca's squad heading into the derby.
After an important victory over FC Porto in midweek, Manchester City now prepare for one of the most significant occasions in the footballing calendar, the Manchester derby, as they travel the short distance to Old Trafford to face off against Manchester United on Sunday.cityxtra.co.ukMan Utd vs Man City (Premier League): Match Preview, Team News, Head to Head, How to Watch
After an important victory over FC Porto in midweek, Manchester City now prepare for one of the most significant occasions in the footballing calendar, the Manchester derby, as they travel the short distance to Old Trafford to face off against Manchester United on Sunday.
Maresca on Approaching the Derby and Anderson's Role Against Man United
Addressing Friday's pre-match press conference, Maresca laid down how Manchester City will look to approach their biggest test under the Italian so far.
The City boss said: "First of all, be ourselves, as I said. For us, it's an important game also because it's a test to be ourselves. Then in terms of them, I think it's quite clear.
"It's a team that they are very dangerous. They don't need many passes, so they are quite direct, recovering the ball and they are the team probably in this moment in the Premier League with playing more balls in behind.
"So it's quite clear they recover the ball and try to contact in-behind. We need to be careful in terms of transitions, and cover the space in behind."
On Anderson's importance in midfield against United, Maresca added: "Very important, but not only Elliot. For sure, he will be one of the main players in case we decide for him to start, but not only him. We need a complete performance to win there."
Marc Guehi and Ruben Dias will be key in keeping United's forwards quiet on Sunday, having started four consecutive games at the back together. The clean sheet at Porto came against a side in formidable form and will give City confidence heading into enemy territory.
Sunday's trip to Old Trafford kicks off at 16:30 UK, with Manchester City aiming to go five from five across all competitions under Maresca and go level on points with Premier League champions Arsenal at the top of the table before the international break.