The Premier League champions are almost at full strength for the Manchester derby

Manchester City will be without the suspended Manuel Akanji for the trip to rivals Manchester United on Sunday.

Akanji was sent off for two bookable offences against Brighton so will serve a one-match ban for the Manchester derby. John Stones and Ruben Dias are the preferred starting centre-backs in any case.

Otherwise, Kevin De Bruyne is the only other absentee, with the influential Belgian not expected back before the New Year.

Phil Foden and Julian Alvarez started on the bench for the win over Young Boys in midweek so will come back in. It will be between Jack Grealish or Jeremy Doku for the other slot behind Erling Haaland, with the former’s more reserved style may be preferred.

City currently sit second, behind Tottenham, but United, who finished third last season, have had a turbulent start to their campaign, losing four times in their first nine fixtures.

While City are six points and as many places ahead of United, Pep Guardiola is on his guard after Erik Ten Hag’s side snatched victory in last season’s corresponding showdown.

“United have always had that feeling – it doesn’t matter who the manager is – they are a tough, tough opponent,” Guardiola said.

“The qualities of the individuals they have, the stadium, the character they have, the momentum. They can score goals, we know the quality they have. Always that has been and always it will be.”

Manchester City predicted XI: Ederson; Walker, Stones, Dias, Gvardiol; Rodri, Silva; Grealish, Alvarez, Foden; Haaland

Out: De Bruyne, Akanji (suspended)

Time and date: 3.30pm on Sunday, October 29, 2023

Venue: Old Trafford