Manchester City and Manchester United were expected to fight themselves for the Premier League this season, given the squads they have, the managers they have, the money they had spend and the expectations put on both of them.
Instead, both are out of the title race and won’t win the FA Cup, and both teams are still yet to qualify for the Champions League. It’s a disappointing season for both, although Mourinho can still win a second trophy in his debut season while Pep Guardiola won’t, not even a tinpot.
But this is Pep Guardiola v José Mourinho, and every game between them is a match to watch. The Manchester Derby has happened twice this season: City won at Old Trafford in the Premier League while United won at home in the EFL Cup, which they eventually conquered in February.
Their third and final meeting this season takes place on tonight at the Etihad Stadium, and if there won’t be any titles decided here, two important things will be up for grabs: a big step towards European qualification, and bragging rights.
After all, this Pep vs. José. One of them has to win.
Mourinho’s United side will be without key players like top goalscorer Ibrahimovic, marquee signing Pogba, defender Marcos Rojo and midfielder Juan Mata.
Pep will be without David Silva, who is likely to miss out with a knee injury, but Gabriel Jesus could be back on the bench.
Hopefully there will be plenty of goals tonight.
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