Manchester United vs Manchester City
Red vs Blue
Age-old rivalry.
As if a Manchester derby needs more hype, this year sees the rivalry between Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola renewed. Both managers have assembled brilliant squads by shelling out money, and both have seen their teams start with 3 wins from 3. Both are being seen as early season title contenders and whoever wins this match will surely make a statement in the Premier League. And of course both these managers would love to put one over their old rival.
Sergio Aguero is suspended, which is disapoointing, because if he was there we would have another subplot of seeing Aguero against Ibra, two of the Golden Boot contenders.
The whole world will be watching when two heavyweights collide in what is sure to be a very closely contested match. I, for one, can't make up my mind on who is going to win. It is surely the most anticipated Manchester derby in recent years.
Thoughts?

agueros suspension ruined the hype of the derby for me

I never have awaited a Manchester derby so excited as this one. The teams are just getting better with the huge money in the EPL, and they got two of the world's best managers there. The Pep vs Mourinho rivalry is another interesting detail to watch out for.
I think Agüero's absence is a blow below the belt for City. Really can't see a player in their squad who can play on such a high level at the CF position. My prediction would be a 2-1 win for United.

city for the win.. nolito is on fire imo..

No disrespect to opening opponents, but this is the first real test of the year for both teams. It's all well and good to beat Burnley and Bournemouth, but this is where it starts to get real.

Eagerly anticipating this one.

I smell a draw coming up without Aguero. 1-1, and a dissapointing derby.

Exactly, this is the first real test for both teams. Gonna be hard to guess.

Despite the fact that Aguero's suspension is good for us, I dislike that very much.

With Mou and Pep are the coaches, no way it would be a disappointing derby, unless Mou decides to go all out defend which I dont think so, with the squad we have.

MU 2 - 1 MC

ARG! The hype is real! +1 for everybody! Can't wait to get up at 7 in the morning to watch this!

@KTB In french, we call people like you "oiseau de malheur". ;p

I imagine a game out of control, both are more comfortable with the ball, and for me non of them would park the bus. I dont see Mourinho making 2 lines of 4 to Pep possession plan, and if so United midlefield should be in a good day to defend and to hit back, that option remains a little dangerous.
Mou knowing that Pep team likes possession and would go for the win, he will have no choice than ask his team to go forward, imo going all in is his only option.

Pep has the same plan, coaches who will face him know that he will open play trying to hit first and then to kill if possible, i think he will play Bravo to keep possession he will just adjust on pressing high Pogba and blocking Ibra. I suppose Ibra will be on fire, againt any Pep team motivated to beat him.

For e the team who score first will win, 4 goals or more for my prediction if things go like i supposed. If Mou decides to destroy Pep tactics and hit back in counters Zlatan will have to do the runs and wont be effective in pressing, i cant see Mou bench him to play with quick Rashford, that would be unfair and disrespectful to Ibra, so imo ou will open play or loose. If he parks the bus 0-1 for City, but imo they can outscore City if they openplay them.

edit : What would you do in Mourinho's place ?
Should he play for the win like Pep and both teams would be dangerous and a little exposed defensively, and thats thegame i want to see.
Go offensive and press high, or go deep woth his back foor and play direct football upfront with long balls or counters. does he really have the players to park the bus perfectly and hit back on counters ?

Man U will win.

No doubt a very gd match!! The most exciting Man City and Man Utd in years!! With Aguero suspended, i suspect a close win for Man Utd.....but hard to tell!! Nolito and Sterling on fire!! Can't wait!!

@tiki: I think Mou will do what he does best. Pressing and counter attacking. Yes Zlatan would have to make the run, but I am sure he will work out that plan. Zlatan will save his breath and sprint when there is a chance.

With Pogba help, Zlatan wouldn't have to run like crazy, not to mention Rooney when he has space he can be explosive too on his good day.

Cant wait

I've had a change of mind after having read your posts. Might turn out to be a good game after all. After all, I don't want to be a oiseau de malheur whatever that is. United are actually favorites to win.. Still think it will turn out a draw though.

@KTB Its not as bad as think it is, its expression for people who are negatif and predict bad thing to happen, in english, I would traduct it to bird of misfortune.

Good news. Bravo, Gundogan and Sane are available for the derby. This is gonna be hella exciting!

Do you guys think Gündogan and Sané will be starting, or only on the bench yet?

Not sure they will get full time, we'll see.

Hoping for a draw! C'mon boys tie the game so that chelsea goes to the top of the table were we belong.

This game is were mourinho will start his parking the bus tactics in the united era.

@chelsea: I really do hope he wont do that :(

@chelsea8 Mourinho don't play to take 1 point, he play to get 3, don't expect him to park the bus unless his team score one. ;)

I'm just guessing but i might be wrong, usually he parks the bus when he really wants to wins against good teams like when he was at inter and at chelsea.