As the Manchester derby looms on the horizon, Pep Guardiola is rolling the dice with a revamped Manchester City lineup, set to face off against their fierce rivals, Manchester United, this Sunday afternoon. The Etihad Stadium is buzzing with anticipation, and the Catalan maestro has made some eyebrow-raising decisions—none more intriguing than his call to thrust Jack Grealish back into the starting XI. With four key changes to the squad that last took the field, Guardiola’s strategy promises a blend of flair, grit, and calculated risk as City aim to extend their recent resurgence against a United side desperate to turn their fortunes around.
The stakes couldn’t be higher. City are riding a wave of momentum after a gritty 2-0 victory over Leicester City earlier this week, a result that snapped a two-game skid in the Premier League and showcased their ability to grind out wins even without their talismanic striker, Erling Haaland. Haaland’s ankle injury, sustained in a clash against Bournemouth last weekend, has sidelined him for potentially up to seven weeks—a blow that could stretch into the summer’s Club World Cup. Yet Guardiola remains optimistic, hinting that his star forward might defy the odds and return sooner. For now, though, City must adapt, and that’s where Grealish steps into the spotlight.
Grealish’s inclusion is a statement. The £100 million man dazzled against Leicester, scoring his first Premier League goal of the season—a drought-ending strike that had been 473 days in the making. “I think it was actually the same last year,” Grealish reflected post-match, his voice brimming with determination. “I didn’t go to the national team in March, and then I came back and played a lot. I ended up playing a lot in April.” His performance wasn’t just a goal; it was a reminder of his knack for seizing the moment, controlling the tempo from a central role and proving he’s ready to shoulder more responsibility. Guardiola, ever the tactician, praised Grealish’s composure, noting how he “controlled the tempo” in a way that steadied City’s midfield against the Foxes.
But Grealish isn’t the only change in the works. With Haaland sidelined, Omar Marmoush steps up as the No. 9, a role he filled admirably against Leicester with a clinical finish—his fifth goal of the campaign. The Egyptian striker’s emergence has softened the blow of Haaland’s absence, offering City a different dimension up top: pace, tenacity, and a nose for goal. Meanwhile, the injury list remains a thorn in Guardiola’s side. Defenders Nathan Ake, John Stones, and Manuel Akanji are still weeks away from returning, and midfield linchpin Rodri continues to recover from a serious knee injury suffered earlier this season. These absences have forced Guardiola to get creative, and his predicted lineup reflects a delicate balance between necessity and ambition.
In goal, Ederson is expected to reclaim his spot, his commanding presence a welcome return after Stefan Ortega deputized in the FA Cup. The backline sees a shuffle, with Kyle Walker likely dropping out despite his captain’s armband. His recent form has been shaky, and Guardiola might opt for fresher legs—perhaps Nico O’Reilly, who impressed off the bench against Bournemouth, or a reshuffled trio featuring Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol. Dias, a rock at the heart of City’s defense, is a near-certain starter, his leadership vital against United’s attacking threats. In midfield, Ilkay Gundogan and Nico Gonzalez are tipped to anchor the engine room, their partnership blossoming into one of City’s unsung strengths this season.
Up front, alongside Marmoush and Grealish, Savinho and Jeremy Doku are poised to inject dynamism on the flanks. Savinho’s relentless energy and Doku’s trickery could exploit United’s defensive frailties, especially at Old Trafford, where the Red Devils have struggled for consistency. This attacking quartet promises fireworks, but it’s Grealish’s return that has tongues wagging. His last start in the league came over 100 days ago, and with Phil Foden and Kevin De Bruyne—both rested against Leicester—waiting in the wings, Grealish knows this is his chance to stake a claim. “At the moment it’s difficult because we have so many attacking players,” he admitted, acknowledging the fierce competition. “It’s going to be difficult, but I’m here and ready when I’m called upon.”
Across town, United are licking their wounds after a 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest, their 13th loss of the season. Ruben Amorim’s side sits 14 points behind City in the table, a gap that underscores the contrasting trajectories of these bitter rivals. For City, this derby is a chance to assert dominance and solidify their top-five standing—a position that could still secure Champions League football next season, thanks to England’s strong UEFA coefficient. For United, it’s a shot at redemption, but they’ll face a City side buoyed by recent wins and a manager unafraid to tweak his formula.
As Sunday approaches, the question lingers: can Guardiola’s reshuffled XI deliver? Grealish’s resurgence, Marmoush’s hunger, and a patched-together defense will be put to the test. One thing’s for sure—this Manchester derby won’t lack for drama, and with Guardiola pulling the strings, City are primed to paint the town blue once more.