Pranav Nair
Pep Guardiola dismisses the notion that Manchester City have an advantage over Manchester United
According to ESPN, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has dismissed the notion that his side holds an advantage over Manchester United ahead of their clash this coming weekend.
The Manchester derby is a close-fought contest between two of the biggest clubs in the country and is often a feisty affair. With bragging rights up for grabs, it promises to be a hard-fought affair.
United have an enviable record against City under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The Norwegian bested his more celebrated counterpart thrice last season. The only other manager apart from Jurgen Klopp to do so. (h/t BBC)
Both clubs are set for Champions League commitments this midweek but under different circumstances.
While City have already qualified for the knockout stages, United still need a point from their trip to RB Leipzig to do the same.
This means Guardiola can afford to rest some of his stars, unlike Solskjaer, who does not have that luxury. With Leipzig needing a win to qualify, playing an understrength team could backfire on United.
This situation can see City field a well-rested team in the derby while United will be tired from their exertions in Germany.
Guardiola, however, has dismissed suggestions that his side hold the advantage. In fact, he believes the derby will see the players more motivated than usual given its importance.
“I’m pretty sure it’s a derby and we will focus and commit and this means the players are not tired, completely the opposite.”
Solskjaer too will hope that is the case as he seeks a fourth win over Guardiola as United boss.
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The derby can also be seen as a meeting of two potential title challengers. Both clubs are within touching distance of the top and could take another step towards the summit if they secure all three points.
Despite our difficulties, City too have looked far from invulnerable. They are there for the taking if Solskjaer plays his cards right.
