Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has provided updates on three players ahead of the first Manchester derby of the season with the Spanish boss set to make a whole host of changes from the side that played in Europe. The Blues travel across town to face their bitter rivals at Old Trafford.
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"Eric is not fit, he was injured and it will be two or three weeks out," revealed Guardiola in his pre-match press conference.
Gracia would have been unlikely to start the game, with his manager preferring Ruben Dias at the heart of his defence.
Guardiola has to decide who plays alongside the summer signing from Benfica with John Stones and Aymeric Laprote both battling for the other starting spot.
Laporte had seemingly fallen out of favour following the defeat to Spurs last month, with Stones being preferred for the wins over Burnley and Fulham respectively.
City go head-to-head with their cross-town rivals (Image: EXPRESS)
The Frenchman was back in the starting line-up against Marseille, but Stones continued to impress after replacing the injured Garcia.
After his City career looked over at one stage last season, Stones has played his way back into his manager’s affections it seems, and is likely to get the nod against United.
Kyle Walker is expected to return at right back having been rested for the Fulham game.
On the opposite flank, Guardiola may opt to start the more natural left-back Benjamin Mendy over Joao Cancelo who deputised in the role earlier this season.
John Stones has played his way back into Guardiola's plans (Image: GETTY)
In midfield, Rodri is expected to keep his place and Guardiola announced that Gundogan had “trained good” despite only managing 45 minutes against Marseille.
The attacking quartet of Kevin De Bruyne, Raheem Sterling, Riyad Mahrez and Gabriel Jesus is likely to be unchanged.
That would see only Walker, Laporte, Gundogan and Mahrez keep their starting spots from the win over Marseille.
If Guardiola does spring any surprises in the attacking department however, Phil Foden, Bernardo Silva and Ferran Torres will all be ready to make an impact after impressing in midweek.
Predicted Man City team to face Man Utd (4-3-3): Ederson, Walker, Dias, Stones, Mendy, Rodri, Gundogan, De Bruyne, Mahrez, Sterlin Jesus.