This weekend's Manchester derby is another pivotal step in City's treble defence

This weekend’s Manchester derby is another pivotal step in City’s treble defence

This Sunday’s Manchester derby is another pivotal step in Manchester City’s chase for a fourth consecutive Premier League title. The champions are set to begin a crucial block of fixtures this weekend. A big performance from Pep Guardiola’s side against their arch-rival can lay the foundation for what follows next on the fixture list.

The stakes in this weekend’s derby derby couldn’t be higher for Manchester City. With Arsenal and Liverpool both continuing to win games a victory is a must for Pep Guardiola’s side. A draw or a defeat wouldn’t be catastrophic in City’s chase for a fourth consecutive Premier League title. But it would narrow the champion’s margin for error with a trip to Anfield to face Liverpool awaiting Manchester City next weekend.

This season’s Premier League title race appears delicately poised. Liverpool and Arsenal both appear to be in scintillating form as the goals flow for both teams as do the wins. It appears that the margin for error in this season’s title race is smaller than season’s past. It’s with this backdrop that Manchester City face off against their arch-rivals at the Etihad Stadium.

It would appear that Manchester City have the firepower to account for Manchester United. All over the pitch, Pep Guardiola’s side looks to have too much quality to succumb to Erik ten Hag’s men. Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland appear to be in menacing form given their display against Luton Town last week. But games aren’t played on paper and derbies are typically 50/50 affairs. That will likely be the case at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

Sunday’s Manchester derby is a pivotal game for Manchester City. A win could set City up for next weekend’s trip to Anfield. Anything other than a win would make City’s margin for error almost non-existent as they chase a fourth consecutive Premier League title with a trip to Anfield on the horizon.

Tags Arsenal English Premier League Erik ten Hag Etihad Stadium Liverpool Manchester City Manchester Derby Manchester United Pep Guardiola Premier League title race