MOTW: Manchester derby scheduled for early kick-off
It might not go down as we will all be expecting this weekend (Manchester City having the upper hand) in the world of football when Manchester City plays host to Manchester United. It's football you know! the unexpected happens sometimes.
The city of Manchester will be buzzing when City and United face each other in the derby on Sunday, which will attract global attention. City have been superior to United in their recent meetings, winning the last three, including the all-Manchester FA Cup final last year. They are expected to continue their winning streak as they have a 15-point lead over United in the league.
Time Schedule
On Sunday, March 3, Manchester City and Manchester United will face each other in the derby. The game will start at 3:30 pm in the UK, which is 10:30 am ET (5:30 am PT) for the US fans. This is an earlier time than usual.
Why does the Manchester derby have an earlier kick-off time?
The Manchester derby will start at 3:30 pm on Sunday, which is not a typical time for Premier League games. This is because police and broadcasters agreed to move the game one hour earlier than usual. Sky Sports, who own the Premier League rights, prefer 4:30 pm, but that is considered too dangerous for such a big match, as there could be more violence among fans.
So, the 3:30 pm time slot is a middle ground between local authorities and broadcasters, which means there is less chance for trouble to erupt between opposing supporters.
The first time a Sunday derby started at 3:30pm was on October 29, 2023 at Old Trafford.
United explained then: “The clubs, the broadcaster and local authorities decided on the uncommon start time together.”
City won the game comfortably by 3-0, with two goals from Erling Haaland and one from Phil Foden.
What is the team news?
Man Utd team news
United have many injury problems ahead of their visit to the Etihad Stadium. Erik ten Hag will miss key forward Rasmus Hojlund and also Anthony Martial, who plays in the same position. He will also be without defenders Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez, and midfielder Mason Mount. The manager said he is not sure if Bruno Fernandes and Raphael Varane will be fit to play.
Man City team news
City have to play without Jack Grealish, who hurt his groin in the FA Cup victory over Luton, and Josko Gvardiol, who is healing from an ankle injury. Apart from that, Guardiola has all his players available, with Kevin De Bruyne being a bonus as he was not injured in the FA Cup match against Luton.
