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A HUGE derby awaits in Manchester as City and United go head-to-head in a colossal Premier League clash at the Etihad this afternoon.And the headline team news is that Marcus Rashford has been left out of the Man Utd squad.The Red Devils will be looking to pounce on their local rivals, with Pep Guardiola’s side claiming just one win from their last 10 games in all competitions.But United don’t exactly go into today’s blockbuster clash in scintillating form after back-to-back defeats in the Premier League.That said, new boss Ruben Amorim has got the better of Guardiola once already this season, with his Sporting side smashing City 4-1 in the Champions League back in November.Kick-off time: 4.30pm GMTStream/TV: NOW/Sky Sports Main EventMan City team: Ederson, Dias, Walker, Gvardiol, Bernardo, Nunes, De Bruyne, Gundogan, Foden, Doku, HaalandMan Utd team: Onana, Maguire, Mazraoui, De Ligt, Martinez, Dalot, Ugarte, Fernandes, Amad, Mount, HojlundFollow all the action with our live blog below…ArrivalsMan Utd players were earlier spotted walking through the tunnels under the Etihad Stadium as we continue to build towards the big one,Copy linkCopied’I could see anything’Former Man Utd star Phil Jones has no clue how the game is going to go today, with both teams struggling for form and consistency.Jones told 5 Live: “Manchester United played a big part in my life and I obviously want them to do well.” I am a bit more nervous watching them than being able to do anything on the pitch.I could see anything today, I really could. It could see a 0-0. I could see a 4-0 to City. I could see a 4-0 to United. “I don’t think anyone can anticipate what is going to happen today!”Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedMore from AmorimThe Portuguese boss continued: “Of course the context is difficult because we have to win games and we have a difficult situation now. “I pay attention to everything, the way you eat, the way you put your clothes to go to a game. Everything.”I make my evaluation and then I decide.“There is a communication after the last training. They are alright. “They had training this morning and I was there. They trained really well.”Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedMan Utd mole?Ruben Amorim’s starting XI was leaked earlier on Sunday with the starting line-up matching the exact team that was reported.Amorim has now spoken on Sky Sports to explain his decisions, with both Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho missing out.He said: “We try to evaluate everything – training performance, game performances, engagement with team-mates, [how they] push their team-mates up. “Everything is on the line when we analyse and try to choose the players. It is my selection. Simple.“I don’t want to send a message, it is simply an evaluation and they know it. The players are really, really smart. “Everybody understands my decision and I have to choose. It is [a] simple selection.”Copy linkCopiedCountdown is onWe’re just 45 minutes from kick off here and the Etihad is starting to fill up very nicely…Copy linkCopiedExpect goalsRecent meetings between the two suggest this afternoon’s Manchester derby is going to be FULL of goals…touch wood.A whopping 24 goals have been scored in the last five Prem meetings between the two bitter rivals.Here is a look at the last five Manchester derbies that have taken place in the league:Man City 3-1 Man Utd (March, 2024)Man Utd 0-3 Man City (October, 2023)Man Utd 2-1 Man City (January, 2023)Man City 6-3 Man Utd (October, 2022)Man City 4-1 Man Utd (March, 2022)Copy linkCopiedFernandes on the task aheadMan Utd captain Bruno Fernandes says the Red Devils must focus on fixing their own problems rather than thinking about Man City’s torrid run of form.The Portugese playmaker said: “It doesn’t change anything for us, how they are in this moment, because we have to think about ourselves,” the United skipper said.”We all know that this is a huge game and they have huge players. They’re probably not winning as much as everyone would expect them to do.”But we have to focus on ourselves because we’re not being at the level we want to be, so we can’t think about the momentum of the others.”We just have to think about ourselves and do the job we have to do to get in better positions, and we need points in the league so it doesn’t matter who we play against.”We know it’s City, a huge derby. We know what it means for the fans and it means a lot for us too, so we just have to go to the game and win without thinking who we have ahead.”Copy linkCopiedGoal HaalErling Haaland may not be in the best form of late, but you certainly can not count him out of today’s Manchester derby.Last season’s Golden Boot winner has just three goals from his last 10 Premier League games, which, by his high standards, is far from his best.But Haaland does enjoy scoring against Man Utd – the Norweigan has bagged six goals in four league appearances against the Red Devils.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd XIOnana, Mazraoui, De Ligt, Maguire, Martinez, Dalout, Ugarte, Mount, Fernandes, Adam, Hojlund.Subs: Bayindir, Lindelof, Malacia, Yoro, Casemiro, Eriksen, Mainoo, Antony, Zirkzee.Copy linkCopiedMan City XIEderson, Walker, Dias, Gvardiol, Gundogan, De Bruyne, Bernardo, Nunes, Foden, Doku, Haaland. Subs: Ortega Moreno, Stones, Kovacic, Grealish, Savinho, Simpson-Pusey, Mubama, O’Reilly, McAteeCopy linkCopiedMan Utd team newsRuben Amorim has no fresh injury concerns following United’s 2-1 win against Viktoria Plzen on Thursday night.Jonny Evans returned to training this week and may come into the Red Devil’s back three.Left-back Luke Shaw remains sidelined.Copy linkCopiedMan City team newsAcademy graduate Rico Lewis will be unavailable for the Manchester derby after he was sent off against Crystal Palace last weekend.Phil Foden and Mateo Kovacic returned to the matchday squad against Juventus on Wednesday night – and both could be handed a starting place this afternoon.Rodri, Oscar Bobb, Nathan Ake, John Stones and Manuel Akanji are all unavailable to face United.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedGood afternoon and welcome to SunSport’s live blog of the Manchester derby!Today’s blockbuster match will see bitter rivals Manchester City and Manchester United go head-to-head at the Etihad.The Red Devils will be looking to pounce on City’s unprecedented poor form of late, with Pep Guardiola’s side claiming just one win from their last 10 games in all competitions.The champions find themselves NINE points behind leaders Liverpool, but they will be aiming to take all three points this evening to close the gap to six after the Reds were held to a 2-2 draw with Fulham yesterday.United are also not in the best of form at the minute after back-to-back defeats in the Premier League.The Red Devils were almost embarrassed in the Europa League on Thursday night after Viktoria Plzen took a 1-0 lead at Old Trafford following another defensive error.But Rasmus Hojlund’s double spared United’s blushes as they look to build some momentum under new boss Ruben Amorim.The young Portugese coach has already got the better of Pep Guardiola this season, with his Sporting side smashing City 4-1 in the Champions League back in November.Amorim will be hoping his new side can follow suit as he gets his first taste of the Manchester derby this afternoon.Copy linkCopied More

CRYSTAL PALACE picked up a MASSIVE win at the home of their rivals Brighton.Ismaila Sarr scored twice as the Eagles moved up to 15th.Trevoh Chalobah opened the scoring for the visitors and they were 3-0 up and cruising before a late Marc Guehi own goal served as only a consolation on a poor day for Brighton.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow ALL the action from the Amex with our live blog below… More

ARSENAL are taking on Everton in a huge Premier League clash RIGHT NOW.Gabriel has returned from injury to partner William Saliba, while Dwight McNeil is a notable absentee in the Toffee’s eleven.The Gunners are looking to close the gap on league leaders Liverpool, who are currently facing Fulham at Anfield.TV/Stream: Not available in the UK due to 3pm blackoutArsenal team: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly, Rice, Odegaard, Merino, Saka, Martinelli, HavertzEverton team: Pickford, Young, Mykolenko, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mangala, Gueye, Doucoure, Ndiaye, Harrison, Calvert-LewinFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow our live blog below…Arsenal 0-0 Everton47. What a save!!Bukayo Saka must have thought he had broken the deadlock seconds into the second half, but his volley is somehow clawed out by Jordan Pickford.It was a scrappy build-up from kick-off, but when a loose header from Branwaite inside the area went up instead of out, Saka was on to it in a flash.The shot wasn’t the cleanest but still looked destined for the bottom corner until Pickford’s heroics.Copy linkCopiedKick-off – Arsenal 0-0 Everton46. Neither boss has made a change at the start of the second half which indicates that both are fairly happy with how their teams performed in the first.Mikel Arteta will undoubtedly want more from an attacking perspective. Can his side deliver?Copy linkCopiedFirst half facts and figuresDominic Calvert-Lewin – who I forgot was playing – had just 12 touches of the ball during the first half.Copy linkCopiedFrom Dan King at the EmiratesJordan Pickford and James Tarkowski really are in a “none shall pass” mood.A personal highlight of a goalless half was Myles Lewis-Skelly dropping the ball on his own head and then trying again, but having a foul throw awarded against him. Not enough foul throws are given these days, especially in European competition.The atmosphere at the Emirates is curiously flat. Arsenal should be one or two up but aren’t turning domination into goals. Yet.Copy linkCopiedHalf-time – Arsenal 0-0 EvertonCraig Pawson calls time on the opening 45 minutes, and there’s very little to report.Everton have not had an attempt since Abdoulaye Doucoure’s fifth minute shot that was brilliantly blocked behind by the returning Gabriel.Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Martinelli have both had chances for the hosts, only to find Jordan Pickford in inspired form. Copy linkCopied Arsenal 0-0 Everton45. There will be just an extra minute at the end of a first half dominated by Arsenal, but lacking any real cutting edge.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 Everton44. Myles Lewis-Skelly undoubtedly has a bright future ahead of him, but it’s doubtful he’ll ever take a worse throw-in than this.The ball slips out of the teenager’s hands, bobbles about a bit and then drops on his head, resulting in a most embarrassed and surprised look from the left-back.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 Everton42. Pickford denies Martinelli!A sloppy pass from Branthwaite is pounced upon by Rice in midfield, who quickly moves the ball on to the Brazilian via Havertz.A nice switch of feet by Martinelli in the box takes him away from Young, but his follow-up shot is well blocked by the Everton goalkeeper at the near post.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 Everton40. Ashley Young takes an age to take a throw-in deep in the Arsenal half.It’s hard to know if it’s blatant time-wasting or if the 39-year-old right-back is just feeling his age.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 Everton38. The home fans try to lift the tempo of their team.While in complete control of the game, they are not putting Everton under real pressure – and the visitors remain content to mop up the little that is coming their way.Copy linkCopiedFrom Dan King at the EmiratesThe second enjoyable contest so far was between the fans. The home crowd told Jordan Pickford he was “just a s**t Aaron Ramsdale” and the travelling Blues responded by reminding everyone that their man is “England’s No 1”.Even better is the way Everton boss Sean Dyche keeps moaning to the fourth official and nearside assistant referee about the decisions that keep going against his side. The Arsenal fans take every chance to mock his gesticulations and rants.The news from Anfield must have filtered through and it feels like an Arsenal goal is coming.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 Everton35. A loose header back towards Pickford from Tarkowski prompts the England goalkeeper into an unorthodox vollleyball punch clear.It’s lucky he made contact with the ball otherwise he could have knocked Havertz’s head off.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 Everton33. Half of the game over the past quarter of an hour has been played inside the Everton defensive third.Are we witnessing a Sean Dyche masterclass, or will Arsenal break down the Toffees before the break? Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 Everton31. The Toffees survive another set-piece, and continue to lay down the blueprint for the rest of the division in how to repel Arsenal at free-kicks and corners.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 Everton29. Pickford finally begins to earn his money!Superb stuff from Saka on the right takes him beyond Mykolenko and Branthwaite, and then the England ace still has the composure to pick out Odegaard in the middle.The Norwegian midfielder takes a nice touch and looks certain to open the scoring until his shot is blocked up and over by the Everton goalkeeper.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 Everton26. Nice work from Saka to pick out Odegaard’s run into the area with a clever reverse pass.The captain then tries to work one of his own, but it’s clattered behind by Branthwaite.The visitors certainly aren’t afraid to give up corners to the Premier League’s set-piece kings. Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 Everton24. We’re still awaiting the game’s first shot on target.Perhaps the news that Liverpool currently trail Fulham at Anfield and are down to ten men might wake up those inside the Emirates.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 Everton22. Defenders assemble as corner number three is awarded to the Gunners.Again, Saka’s delivery is flat and fast, and once more Tarkowski heads out before the intended flick-on.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 Everton20. It’s one-way traffic at the Emirates, but Arsenal’s football has still lacked something in the opening 20 minutes.Dare I say it, they look a little leggy after their Champions League exploits in midweek.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 Everton17. The home fans get excited as another corner is won.This time it’s on the right and taken by Saka, but the delivery is unusually poor and easily headed clear.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 Everton15. The Gunners have been responsible for 79% of possession so far but are yet to fully test Pickford in the Everton goal. Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 Everton13. A promising attack for Arsenal is halted because Martinelli is offside.Where have we heard that before?Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 Everton11. Odegaard goes close!The Arsenal captain receives a square pass 20 yards from goal, drifts beyond Gueye with ease, and then drags a right-footer wide of Pickford’s left-hand post.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 Everton9. Up the other end of the pitch, a Martinelli effort is blocked behind for Arsenal’s first corner.The Gunners pack the area as Rice prepares the set-piece, an inswinger that is eventually punched away by Pickford.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 Everton7. The first attempt of the game comes courtesy of Everton’s Doucoure.The midfielder somehow finds himself in space behind the Arsenal defence, and it requires an excellent recovery from Saliba in order to turn it behind for a corner.Copy linkCopied More

MATCHWEEK 16 of the Premier League promises to be a blockbuster – with some huge games taking place RIGHT NOW!League leaders Liverpool are currently trailing to Fulham, and are now down to 10 men after Andy Robertson’s red card.Elsewhere, Newcastle are hosting Leicester, who are unbeaten under new boss Ruud van Nistelrooy.Plus, SunSport will bring you all the goals from the remaining three games taking place on Saturday.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow our live blog below…Goal – Alexander Isak (Newcastle)Copy linkCopiedNewcastle 2-0 Leicester47. The Magpies make the perfect start to the second-half.As a free kick is worked into the box, Hall heads it across goal for Guimaraes to head home from close range.This would seem like game, set and match at St James’ Park.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle)Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Ken Lawrence on Anfield matchAnother Nottingham Forest moment could well be happening for Arne Slot.His only defeat since replacing Jurgen Klopp was early in the season against them at Anfield.Nobody saw that 1 – 0 loss coming, far less that Fulham might have a chance of coming up with another shock result against the Dutchmen’s ten men following Andy Robertson’s 17th minute straight red.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Graham Hill at MolineuxIpswich have the upper hand thanks to a farcical Matt Doherty own goal, but while Wolves are still in it and have created openings, they will have to up their game in the second half. Wolves fans were patient before the break, but there were loud boos at half-time.Meanwhile, the TV cameras have highlighted the fact that Wolves have Led Zeppelin legend Robert Plant in their directors’ box – with Ipswich’s Ed Sheeran here today. Ipswich may be leading, but there’s only one winner in the music stakes.Copy linkCopiedHT: Wolves 0-1 Ipswich TownKieran McKenna’s side have seemingly stepped up to the plate so far today in this six-pointer.They have taken the game to the hosts and created the better chances.The next goal will crucial in this one, if the visitors are able to get it, it is hard to see a way back for Wolves.Copy linkCopiedHT: Newcastle 1-0 LeicesterIt has been a solid start by Eddie Howe’s side.Leicester have looked like a rabbit in the car headlights for the majority of the first-half.The Magpies are dominating and should be leading by more.Copy linkCopiedHT: Liverpool 0-1 FulhamIt has all gone pear-shaped for the league leaders at the moment.Fulham took the lead before the hosts then had a player sent-off.It seems like a big struggle for Arne Slot’s side to come from behind to win this game with the visitors having a man advantage.Copy linkCopiedHT: Arsenal 0-0 EvertonIt all going according to plan for Sean Dyche right now.He will be more than happy to go in at the break with their clean sheet intact. Arsenal need to get their shooting boots on, despite all their possession, they are not working Pickford enough in the Everton goal.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Dan King at The EmiratesJordan Pickford and James Tarkowski really are in a “none shall pass” mood. A personal highlight of a goalless half was Myles Lewis-Skelly dropping the ball on his own head and then trying again, but having a foul throw awarded against him. Not enough foul throws are given these days, especially in European competition. The atmosphere at the Emirates is curiously flat. Arsenal should be one or two up but aren’t turning domination into goals. Yet. Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Gary Stonehouse at St James’ ParkIt should really be game over here in Newcastle, who lead by just one goal at the break.But Alexander Isak wasted a great opportunity to double that advantage when he was sent through, but the usually lethal Swede shot straight at the goalie.And even though Ruud van Nistelrooy’s Foxes have barely mounted an attack, they are still firmly in this one ahead of the second period.Copy linkCopiedNewcastle 1-0 Leicester43. Van Nistelrooy needs to find a ‘plan B’ in this one.His team are not even at the races at St James’ Park.It is all one-way traffic and only baffling thing is how The Magpies have only scored one goal so far.Pope could go and do his Christmas shopping this afternoon and not be missed as it stands.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 Everton38. Arsenal are dominating the game at The Emirates.With in excess of 70% possession, they are just struggling to find the target to work Pickford.It is one of those games where you constantly think the goal is coming from the hosts, but we are still waiting.Credit: APCopy linkCopiedLiverpool 0-1 Fulham37. The Reds are struggling with ten men at Anfield.To their credit, Fulham are playing well and taking the game to the hosts.As it stands, it is hard to see a way back into this game for Arne Slot’s side with the sending off.That could all change.Copy linkCopiedNewcastle 1-0 Leicester30. Anthony Gordon provides the assist as The Magpies take the lead.His ball into the box finds Murphy, who sweeps the ball into the bottom corner of the goal.St James’ Park erupts as it hits the back of the net.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Jacob Murphy (Newcastle)Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Ken Lawrence on match at AnfieldIt also denied the Fulham attacker and obvious scoring opportunity.A bad, bad day for the Scotland captain for while Andreas Pereira did connect acrobatically to score in the 11th minute the ball deflected off the right back to leave Alisson with no chance.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Graham Hill at MolineuxThings are going from bad to worse for Wolves – with a comedic own goal giving Ipswich a 15th minute lead.Liam Delap got the better of new skipper Nelson Semedo. Keeper Sam Johnstone pushed the ball out to Omari Hutchinson whose shot is blocked by Matt Doherty on the line – before Conor Chaplin’s shot hit Toti and bounced in off Doherty.Cue abusive chants from the fans – but aimed at chairman Jeff Shi. Jean Bellegarde then blazed over when presented with a clear chance to equalise.Copy linkCopiedWolves 0-1 Ipswich Town25. There will be massive pressure on Gary O’Neil here now.Ipswich have come to Molineux to go for Wolves today, that is for sure.They are looking creative and testing the hosts’ keeper regularly.The fans are getting disgrutled and are not happy with what they are seeing from the home side.Credit: PACopy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Dan King at The EmiratesThe second enjoyable contest so far was between the fans. The home crowd told Jordan Pickford he was “just a s**t Aaron Ramsdale” and the travelling Blues responded by reminding everyone that their man is “England’s No 1”.Even better is the way Everton boss Sean Dyche keeps moaning to the fourth official and nearside assistant referee about the decisions that keep going against his side. The Arsenal fans take every chance to mock his gesticulations and rants. The news from Anfield must have filtered through and it feels like an Arsenal goal is coming. Copy linkCopiedNewcastle 0-0 Leicester20. It is all Newcastle at St James’ Park so far.The Foxes have yet to register a shot on or off target.The Magpies are keeping Hermansen very busy in these early stages.Copy linkCopiedLiverpool 0-1 Fulham20. It is adjudged Wilson was onside and Robertson is given his marching orders.Liverpool are a goal down and also reduced to ten men.The former Liverpool youngster almost scores with the resulting free-kick.This is a massive uphill struggle at Anfield.Copy linkCopiedLiverpool 0-1 Fulham15. It is all going an Anfield.The referee has sent Andrew Robertson off for a foul on the edge of the box, being the last man.He allowed play to continue and Jimenez chipped over Alisson, only for van Dijk to clear off the line.He brought it back for the foul and showed the Liverpool man red.However, VAR is now reviewing it as Harry Wilson may have been offside in the build-up.Copy linkCopiedRed card – Andrew Robertson (Liverpool)Copy linkCopiedWolves 0-1 Ipswich Town10. Drama at Molineux.Of all the times to get an own goal, this was not it for Wolves’ Matt Doherty.The Tractor Boys take an early lead here.Copy linkCopied More