Pep Guardiola Wants His Side To Play Their Own Game

Pep Guardiola wants his side to play their own game at Old Trafford as they go in search of a derby win to restore their status as top dogs in the city.

iexclusive News Nigeria reports that for the first time in Guardiola’s spell as Manchester City manager they go into a derby behind United in the Premier League table, but that is a status that could be reversed if the Blues claim success across town.

City struggled against the pace of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s United last season, but the only win in four meetings they did claim came at Old Trafford, in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg.

Other than that United posed City problems on the break, although Guardiola’s side have dealt much better with those kinds of threats this season.

Ahead of the huge Premier League clash, the City boss discussed the availability of Sergio Aguero, Eric Garcia and Ilkay Gundogan.

Following their comprehensive Champions League victory over Marseille in midweek, Guardiola revealed that Aguero would not be starting against United.

City’s all-time top scorer came off the bench to score his side’s second in a 3-0 win over the French side for his second goal of the campaign.

However, Aguero’s ongoing recovery from a hamstring injury means he won’t be involved from the start against Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team.

Asked about the striker’s inclusion in the team from kick off on Saturday, Guardiola simply replied: “No.”

Aguero’s nine derby goals make him the fourth highest scorer in the fixture’s history and could still be involved from the bench.

“He had 25 minutes and scored a goal,” teased Guardiola. “Step by step. Will see the reaction.”

Elsewhere in the team, Garcia won’t be available for selection after going off against Marseille with an injury in the first half.

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