Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola will be without three key players ahead of their Premier League clash with Chris Wilder’s Sheffield United this weekend which will be the final match of 2023.
City will be without star striker Erling Haaland, who has netted 22 goals so far this season as well as England defender John Stones – both are absent with ankle injuries. In addition, they are also without Belgian midfielder Kevin De Bruyne with a thigh injury.
The Blues are currently fourth in the Premier League table and are five points behind leaders Liverpool. Perhaps, distracted from their World Club Cup winning campaign in Saudi Arabia. They returned to Premier League action two days ago with a 3-1 victory at Everton after falling a goal behind.
Manchester City were victorious in the earlier encounter this season. City won 2-1 on 27th August 2023 after Rodri netted an 88th-minute winner. Since the two clubs’ first-ever league meeting in 1893, the two clubs have met in 115 league games, in which City have won 50 to 33 United victories (32 draws). The last time the Blades beat Manchester City in a competitive match came in the FA Cup ‘Balloon Gate’ incident in 2007, where the S2 club won 2-1 with goals from Luton Shelton and Jonathan Stead.