De Bruyne, Grealish or Foden? Which player should start in midfield for today’s Manchester derby? | OneFootball

Manchester City face a must-win Manchester derby against Manchester United today at Old Trafford. Pep Guardiola’s side must pick up three points to aid their chase for Champions League football. There are also bragging rights and the opportunity to get one over their arch-rival on the line. Who Pep Guardiola starts in midfield will be a topic of discussion ahead of kickoff.

For me, I believe that Nico is a certain starter for Manchester City today. That would leave either Mateo Kovacic, Ilkay Gundogan or Bernardo Silva to partner Nico in midfield. That leaves one other spot in City’s midfield that needs to be filled. It appears to be down to Kevin De Bruyne, Jack Grealish or Phil Foden for that role today. Or we could see Foden start on the right and that would mean it’s down to a choice between De Bruyne or Grealish to start in midfield.

Jack Grealish started against Leicester City in midfield last week. He scored a goal and put in a lively display in City’s engine room. Playing in midfield does suit Grealish’s game. He has the freedom to roam around the pitch and that does bring out his best. Against Manchester United that could be a key attribute in City’s efforts to win today’s match. But the other option is Kevin De Bruyne and he could provide a lift on an important day for Pep Guardiola’s side.

The hope is that De Bruyne has another piece of magic in him before he leaves Manchester City at the end of this season. On his day he does, although those moments have been fleeting this season. But perhaps De Bruyne will have a point to prove on the big stage. A derby at Old Trafford could be the occasion for De Bruyne to inspire his team once again. If he does start today’s match it will be something to look for if he can rise to the occasion when his team needs him.

Who Pep Guardiola starts in midfield seems to be a choice between De Bruyne, Grealish or perhaps Phil Foden. Odds are it will be down to Grealish or De Bruyne. Whoever starts today’s derby will have a key role to play and both players are capable. Whoever starts in midfield could potentially decide today’s match for Manchester City against Manchester United. Whether it’s De Bruyne, Grealish or Foden if Foden doesn’t start on the right wing they simply must be up for the occasion. City’s Champions League hopes may hinge on today’s result.