PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: Eric Bailly – Ivorian to return for Manchester derby?

by Staff Reporter

Friday Apr 06, 2018. 19:00

Ivory Coast defender Eric Bailly will be hoping to return to Manchester United’s starting line-up for their crunch derby clash away to Manchester City tomorrow evening.

The Elephants centre-back was replaced by Victor Lindelof for last weekend’s 2-0 win over Swansea City, with manager Jose Mourinho opting for the Swede because he is more comfortable brining the ball out of defence.

However, with solidity at the back a higher priority against an attack as potent at City’s, Bailly – widely regarded as the Red Devils’ best defender – will surely be given a start at the Etihad Stadium.

Bailly and his team will hope to avoid defeat against City, knowing that a victory for the hosts will secure the Premier League title for Pep Guardiola and his side – with no less than six matches to spare.

The teams’ most recent meeting was a Premier League clash at Old Trafford in December 2017 which ended in a 2-1 win for City, thanks to goals from David Silva and Nicolas Otamendi. The last six matches between the sides have produced two wins apiece and two draws.