Manchester Derby 2015: Key Stats, Form Guide, Prediction for Premier League Game
Manchester United and Premier League leaders Manchester City will go head-to-head on Sunday for the first time in the 2015-16 campaign, and with just two points separating the rivals in the standings, this particular derby will be about more than just bragging rights.
Both clubs enter Sunday's match in solid form, doing well domestically and avoiding major upsets during midweek. Kevin De Bruyne scored a late winner to hand City a 2-1 win over Sevilla in the Champions League, and Anthony Martial salvaged a point from the difficult trip to CSKA Moscow for the Red Devils.
Let's have a look at the form guides for both teams, as well as some key stats that could determine the outcome of this match. All statistics are courtesy of Squawka.
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| CSKA Moscow 1-1 Manchester United | Manchester City 2-1 Sevilla |
| Everton 0-3 Manchester United | Manchester City 5-1 Bournemouth |
| Arsenal 3-0 Manchester United | Manchester City 6-1 Newcastle United |
| Manchester United 2-1 Wolfsburg | Borussia Monchengladbach 1-2 Manchester City |
| Manchester United 3-0 Sunderland | Tottenham Hotspur 4-1 Manchester City |
Key Stats
Manchester City: Key Passes, Assists
Entering Week 10 of the 2015-16 Premier League season, the passing numbers for both sides are remarkably similar. United hold a slight edge in total passes (5,063 to 4,971), both teams are completing 86 percent of their passes and the differences in average pass length are minimal.
With so many similarities in those numbers, City's enormous advantage in key passes and assists stand out. They almost double United's number in the former (118 to 64) and more than double the latter (21 to nine).
City's numbers in this category are heavily influenced by the presence of Yaya Toure, De Bruyne and David Silva, who all rank near the top of the Premier League in both categories. And without the latter, City don't look nearly as impressive, per Burnley star Joey Barton:
What United lack in silky-smooth facilitators like Silva and De Bruyne, they make up for with brute strength and a high work rate in midfield. The duo of Morgan Schneiderlin and Bastian Schweinsteiger can run for days, and Ander Herrera seems to have finally gained the trust of manager Louis van Gaal, adding another strong member to the group.
Their physicality and constant movement will wear down defences before long, opening the door for the quicker forwards to take advantage. Martial is proving himself to be a perfect fit for that philosophy, and while Memphis Depay's start to his United career hasn't been brilliant, he could have a big role to play on Sunday.
The Dutchman may not start against City, but his quickness and ability to take on defenders could come in handy should he make a substitute appearance late.
Manchester United: Goals Against, Saves Per Goal
Take United's 3-0 loss against a rampant Arsenal out of the equation, and the club's defensive numbers look remarkably solid considering they were forced into starting Daley Blind at centre-back earlier this season for a lack of better options.
The Red Devils have conceded eight goals in nine matches so far, including the 3-0 trashing at the hands of the Gunners. Only two clubs have conceded less: Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, with seven each.
United goalkeepers are currently saving 2.5 shots for every goal they concede, which is a significant number given the fact David De Gea sat out the start of the season and has only appeared in five Premier League matches. The Spain international is making three stops per goal conceded.
United's star stopper is already excited for what lies ahead:
Those numbers mean two things: First, that De Gea's reputation as one of the world's best goalkeepers is completely warranted, and that the Red Devils defence is doing an excellent job of forcing opposing teams into difficult positions to score.
City have made 1.75 saves per goal conceded, which is a remarkably low number considering the quality of their starting goalkeeper, Joe Hart. The England international is only saving 1.38 shots per goal conceded.
Prediction
The outcome of Sunday's match will likely depend on which United squad decides to show up. Van Gaal's men looked absolutely dreadful against Arsenal, arguably their only match against a top team expected to contend for the title so far, but their performance in the 3-0 win over Everton was encouraging.
On paper, City's strong form should make them the favourites, but the absence of Silva and Sergio Aguero will hurt. Vincent Kompany still isn't fully healthy and may not even start on Sunday, and combined with the Citizens' struggles to fully contain attackers, there will be chances to score for United.
Final prediction: Manchester United 1-1 Manchester City
