Manchester United host Manchester City at Old Trafford for MAtchday 11 of the 2021-22 Premier League season. The Citizens are currently third in the table with 20 points from their 10 games, five points behind leaders Chelsea, and two behind Liverpool. The Red Devils, on the other hand, are fifth with 17 points from their 10 games. In this post, we will look at the stats and preview the game between Manchester United and Manchester City.
Manchester City have one of the best defenses this season. They have the lowest expected goal against rate in the division. Pep’s men have conceded six goals, three more than Chelsea, who have conceded the fewest goals in the league. Manchester City’s defense has kept six clean sheets so far and have an xGA of just 7.14. Manchester United have had a leaky defense in the early part of the season and have conceded 15 goals in the first 10 games with an xGA of 16.80. This shows the difference in the quality of defense for both teams.
The Red Devils have created an xG rate of 16.74 and scored 19 goals. The team averages five counterattacks per game and have attempted 153 shots till now. The average is 15 shots per game and 53 shots have been on target. Manchester City, on the other hand, have the second-highest xG in the division of 21.46. They have scored 20 goals in 10 games and have had a variety of goalscorers in the team.
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Manchester City have created the most number of positional attacks in the league, and 109 shots have been attempted with these positional attacks. A total of 167 shots have been attempted, with an average of more than 16 shots per match. 58 shots have been on target, and 48 of these have been attempted from inside the opposition’s box. Manchester City players have taken the most number of touches in the opposition’s box and average 36 touches per game.
Manchester United have taken part in the least number of defensive duels in the entire league. A team like Man United, who prefer to play counter-attacking football, should have much more defensive duels contested, and won. Man City also have a low number of defensive duels, but they mostly play possession-based football. Man United players will have to give in their 100% if they want to get something out of the game.
Manchester United won the last fixture when the two teams met in the 2020-21 season by a 2-0 scoreline. Manchester City will look to bring their season back on track and try to earn all three points. The match could feature goals, and plenty of action is expected from this fixture.
Manchester United possible starting lineup:
De Gea; Bailly, Lindelof, Maguire; Wan-Bissaka, McTominay, Fred, Shaw; Fernandes; Ronaldo, Cavani
Manchester City possible starting lineup:
Ederson; Walker, Dias, Stones, Cancelo; Silva, Rodri, De Bruyne; Jesus, Foden, Grealish
