Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal ramped up the pressure ahead of Saturday’s derby by insisting the Manchester City are favourites to win the game. City have scored 11 goals in their last two league matches, beating Newcastle United 6-1 and Bournemouth 5-1 to lead United by two points.
While both sides harbour ambitions of replacing Chelsea as champions, Van Gaal was happy to deflect the attention onto City ahead of the Manchester derby.
“When you look at the facts, they are first and we are third. They are first, so they are the favourites, I think,” Van Gaal said on Friday.
“If we win, we are first in the table. That doesn’t mean we are the champions. That’s decided in May. It’s a big step when we win but still you have to continue.”
Liverpool
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is unlikely to call on Daniel Sturridge for the first time since taking over this weekend at home to Southampton as the striker is struggling with a knee injury.
Klopp is looking for his first victory since arriving this month and his hopes that Sturridge would be available for the game Sunday are receding.
“It’s not much better at the moment. With Daniel’s injury we have to take it day by day, and see if he’s better,” Klopp said on Friday.
“If he can train tomorrow completely normal, then he’s an option. Because the break is not too long, then maybe not as a starter. We have another treatment with him today, because there’s a bit of fluid inside – not much but a little – but it’s day by day.”
Aston Villa
Aston Villa manager Tim Sherwood says has faith in goalkeeper Brad Guzan despite some uncharacteristic mistakes this season. Guzan’s poor clearance at Chelsea last week allowed the champions to take the lead and eventually win 2-0.
That was Villa’s seventh league defeat in eight matches and left them second from bottom with four points from nine games. Villa host an out-of-form Swansea City on Saturday, and Guzan is likely to retain his place for a fixture that could be vital to Sherwood’s job prospects.
“Brad Guzan knows he had made a mistake. But we’re all in it together. No-one is the villain,” Sherwood said. “I am sure Brad Guzan has the confidence to put it right.”
Sunderland
Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce has told last season’s derby hero Jermain Defoe to force his way back into his plans by doing the same if he gets a chance on Sunday.
Defoe blasted himself into the affections of the Sunderland faithful in April when his volley handed the club a 1-0 derby victory over Newcastle United, but found himself on the bench for Allardyce’s first match in charge.
“Every player at the football club who is not playing on a regular basis wants to play,” Allardyce said.
“Like Jermain said, he didn’t come here to sit on the bench. So what I would say is those who get the chance make sure you grasp it when you get it. If you grab that chance, it’s going to give you the opportunity to be selected in the next game.”
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