In the upcoming derby, Romelu Lukaku will face Ederson between the sticks, one of the league’s most competent goalkeepers.
With the attacking power Lukaku possesses, Manchester United could take down their cross-city rivals. Lukaku will play a crucial role in the battle for Manchester.
During the week, Liverpool proved that Manchester City is not invincible. Additionally, if Manchester United can best Liverpool, then it is safe to assume that United can at least put up a fight. The Red Devils will look to score goals through Lukaku.
In the Premier League, Lukaku is among the best goal scorers in the league. For instance, the Belgian is already apart of an elite group in the Premier League: the 100 goal club. While the United front man has 100 goals in the league, fifteen of those goals came from this season. In addition to his fifteen goals, he also has 7 assists. Not only can Lukaku score, but he is learning more and more each game how to assist his teammates.
Perhaps, Lukaku can continue his goal scoring form against a tough opponent, Manchester City. Pundits argue that Lukaku goes missing in the big games, but he played a crucial role in the destruction of Chelsea only a few weeks ago. If Lukaku can channel the same form against City, United can certainly delay the Citizens’ title celebrations.
Just how good is Manchester City’s Ederson?
Manchester United have a solid goalkeeper in David de Gea, but how does Ederson match up against the worlds best?
On the season, Ederson has 31 appearances to his name, and of those 31 appearances, he has 27 wins. Ederson has kept 14 clean sheets, while de Gea has kept 16.
However, while de Gea may have the advantage in clean sheets, Ederson has conceded 21 times and de Gea has conceded 23 times. Statistically speaking, Ederson concedes less often, but de Gea has nearly twice as many saves as the Brazilian this season. Ederson stopped 51 shots, while de Gea has stopped 99 shots.
When comparing the two goalkeepers, the two stack up much differently. In some departments, Ederson has the advantage, but in other categories, de Gea impresses much more.
How can Lukaku get chances on goal?
More importantly, how hard will Lukaku have to work to score? First, Manchester United have to evaluate City’s defense to determine where they can get in behind the back line. Manchester City is not short of solid defenders. The physicality of Kompany will challenge Lukaku’s strength on the ball.
Ultimately, Lukaku’s chances on goal depends on his teammates ability to get him the ball. When coming from the outside, United’s wings could struggle to get past City’s outside backs. For example, Kyle Walker is one of the fastest right backs in the league. Walker’s pace could prove to be troublesome for Sanchez, United’s playmaker.
For Manchester United, the more shots on goal the better. Lukaku must make those darting runs in behind City’s defense if goals are to be created. It will not be easy for Lukaku, but nothing is impossible.
Next: Manchester United: Can de Gea keep a clean sheet against City?
In the end, Manchester United must play to win in this weekend’s derby. Too many times, Mourinho plays for the draw. It is crucial that Mourinho takes the field aiming for a win on Saturday. Manchester United cannot afford to sit back and absorb City’s attack because they are among the most productive offenses in the league.