A resistible force meets a movable object at the Etihad

Manchester City and Manchester United prepare to lock horns at the Etihad Stadium in a highly anticipated Premier League clash on Sunday.

While the Manchester derby always carries significant weight, this encounter feels particularly intriguing as both teams arrive with vulnerabilities that could shape the outcome in unexpected ways.

City, the reigning champions, find themselves in unfamiliar territory, struggling for form and consistency. A 2-0 defeat to Juventus in midweek marked their seventh loss in ten matches, underlining the difficulties Pep Guardiola's side has faced this season.

Their typically formidable defence has looked porous, conceding at least two goals in seven of their last eleven league games.

This uncharacteristic frailty leaves City searching for answers as they attempt to reignite their campaign.

Manchester United, on the other hand, have endured their own share of troubles but come into the match buoyed by a 2-1 comeback win over Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League.

However, their domestic form remains a concern, with back-to-back Premier League defeats preceding their European triumph. New manager Ruben Amorim faces the challenge of steering his team away from the prospect of three consecutive league losses, a scenario United last experienced in 2015 under Louis van Gaal.

Amorim has already tasted success against City this season, orchestrating a 4-1 win with Sporting CP in the Champions League before taking over at Old Trafford.

The Portuguese tactician now has a rare opportunity to achieve a remarkable feat, having the chance to defeat the reigning Premier League champions with two different teams in a single season. Yet, replicating that success at the Etihad will be no small task.

City will look to their attacking stars to rediscover their rhythm, with Erling Haaland at the forefront. The Norwegian striker has been a nightmare for United's defence, boasting nine goal involvements in four Premier League derbies.

Haaland's combination of physicality and finishing prowess has proved decisive in recent meetings, and his contribution could once again tip the balance in City's favour.

Phil Foden, another key figure in the fixture, has scored six goals in his last four league outings against United, making him a crucial asset for Guardiola's side.

United, meanwhile, will rely on Bruno Fernandes to inspire their attack. The Portuguese playmaker has found form since Amorim's arrival, contributing directly to six goals in his last six league appearances.

Fernandes has also been a thorn in City's side in past encounters, involved in five goals across his last six matches against the blue half of Manchester. His creativity and set-piece expertise could be pivotal, especially given United's struggles in defensive organisation this season.

However, vulnerabilities persist for both sides. City's defence has shown uncharacteristic lapses, while United's susceptibility at corners has cost them repeatedly.

Goalkeeper André Onana's erratic moments have also added to the Red Devils' defensive woes, with his mistakes leading to costly goals on multiple occasions.

Recent history favours City, who have dominated this fixture in the Premier League, winning five of the last six meetings.

United, though, will aim to reverse a dismal run that has seen them lose their last three visits to the Etihad, conceding 13 goals in the process. 

Manchester City predicted starting lineup:
Ederson; Walker, Dias, Simpson-Pusey, Gvardiol; De Bruyne, Kovacic; Silva, Foden, Nunes; Haaland

Manchester United predicted starting lineup:
Onana; Mazraoui, De Ligt, Martinez; Diallo, Ugarte, Mainoo, Dalot; Fernandes, Garnacho; Hojlund