It’s a strong team.
Manchester United can tighten their grip on second place in the Premier League table with three points against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
While that is, of course, easier said than done, City are preoccupied with the looming Champions League quarter-final second-leg against Liverpool on Tuesday evening, with a 3-0 deficit to overcome if they are to progress to the last four.
Wirth that, Jose Mourinho has sensed a golden opportunity to move further clear of third-placed Liverpool, who dropped two points after their scoreless draw at Everton earlier on Saturday.
Mourinho has named a strong, attacking line-up for the derby, with Paul Pogba, Nemanja Matic and Ander Herrera comprising a strong-looking midfield three.
It certainly signals Mourinho’s intentions and, with Alexis Sanchez and Romelu Lukaku also starting, there’s more than enough firepower in the United ranks to cause City a few problems.
It will be a big game for Ander Herrera, who has been selected to try and break up City’s flowing passing moves. He has been effective in such a role before.
Here's the team news, #MUFC fans!
This is how we line up for derby day. #MCIMUN pic.twitter.com/xJ5a9r28G9
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 7, 2018
As for City, Kevin De Bruyne and Gabriel Jesus have been rested, but David Silva, Raheem Sterling and Leroy Sane all start.
How we line-up in the 176th Manchester Derby! 🙌
City XI | Ederson, Danilo, Kompany (C), Otamendi, Delph, Fernandinho, Gundogan, Bernardo, Silva, Sane, Sterling
Subs | Bravo, Walker, Agüero, Laporte, De Bruyne, Jesus, Yaya Touré
Presented by @HaysWorldwide #cityvutd #mancity pic.twitter.com/8QoJ2CMkWh
— Manchester City (@ManCity) April 7, 2018
United fans should be encouraged by Mourinho’s selection and also with Pep Guardiola keeping De Bruyne, Jesus and Sergio Aguero away from the starting XI.
