The first Manchester derby of the 2026-27 Premier League season takes place on Sunday at Old Trafford as Manchester United welcome cross-town rivals Manchester City. Kick-off is at 16:30 local time (15:30 GMT).

City have made a near-perfect start under new boss Enzo Maresca, who is gearing up for his first big test since succeeding Pep Guardiola in the summer. While Erling Haaland's brilliance has ensured City's early impression, United's campaign is already off to a rollercoaster start. Manager Michael Carrick will hope his side finds much-needed stability, or they fear being cut adrift in the title race.

United have had a mixed start, winning twice and registering a defeat and a draw each in four games across all competitions. They are 11th in the league standings with four points after three games. City lead the league with nine points, tied with Arsenal. Since losing to the Gunners in the Community Shield, City have won all four matches across all competitions.

Opta's supercomputer predicts City have a slight edge: 44.2% probability of victory, while United are given 31.6% odds. There is a 24.2% probability of a draw. Sunday's clash will mark the 199th Manchester derby. United lead the head-to-head record with 81 wins, compared with City's 62. A total of 55 games ended in a draw.

Several United players are sidelined with injuries, including Carlos Baleba and Amad Diallo. Carrick has received a boost in Benjamin Sesko's return to form. For City, Jeremy Doku is out with a calf injury, but Nico O'Reilly is available. New signings Enzo Fernandez, Elliott Anderson and Ayyoub Bouaddi could all start together in midfield for the first time.

Source: www.aljazeera.com