⚽ Matchday 12 - Premier League Discussion Thread 2025/2026

[satscraper]

What do you think about this derby?

I view the upcoming derby as an opportunity for Man City to adjust their new squad after the changes made during the summer transfer window. As a result, I don't expect the high-scoring events, but win is certainly possible. I'm particularly interested in seeing Donnarumma's performance at derby. A lot will depend on his skills. Will he be a full substitute for Ederson in the current season? Only time will tell.

[shinratensei_]

A lot will depend on his skills. Will he be a full substitute for Ederson in the current season? Only time will tell.

Donna is obviously will be a full substitute for Ederson. Ederson has agreed to join Fenerbahce and there is only Trafford and Ortega^{(doubt he will play)}. So i predict Donnarumma as the main goalie and Trafford as his second. Ortega may be benched until winter, and leave from there too.

[Odohu]

Isak is a great transfer for Liverpool. However I'm not expecting him to be in the starting 11 straight away. He lacks match fitness as you know.

He hasn't played in any PL matches yet because of disagreements with Newcastle. Arne Slot wouldn't risk it because of that. But he'd enter in the second halves for some time.

Ekitiké is in a really good form. It won't be easy to cut him. But in the long term I still expect Isak to play for the most amount of minutes. 

I can argue with you that Isak will make straight first 11, he was not signed with such high amount to be kept in bench, nobody make such investment. If the coach decides not to use him for the first few matches, that would be on the ground that they expect him to observe and blend into the team not that he is not fit. Although I agree with you that there will be a strong competition between him and Ekitike.

[Emylion]

What do you think about this derby?

I view the upcoming derby as an opportunity for Man City to adjust their new squad after the changes made during the summer transfer window. As a result, I don't expect the high-scoring events, but win is certainly possible. I'm particularly interested in seeing Donnarumma's performance at derby. A lot will depend on his skills. Will he be a full substitute for Ederson in the current season? Only time will tell.

Manchester United direct wins, no two ways about it, Manchester City don't luck okay to me in this season so Manchester United should seize their moment now to pick their three points out of the game, and I'm sure they will, I just can't wait for the day, and I'm giving them direct wins.

[Shineup]

What do you think about this derby?

I view the upcoming derby as an opportunity for Man City to adjust their new squad after the changes made during the summer transfer window. As a result, I don't expect the high-scoring events, but win is certainly possible. I'm particularly interested in seeing Donnarumma's performance at derby. A lot will depend on his skills. Will he be a full substitute for Ederson in the current season? Only time will tell.

To me I think this is the time Manchester United should meet Manchester City as they're still not fully organized after the departure of some of their key players and the new incoming players too, Manchester City is still same condition with Manchester United despite their positions on the league table, if I'm to predict I will sure give the winning to Manchester United because they look more organized than Manchester City, it will kind of be a tough game but Manchester United will emerge the Victor.

[emrecemsan]

I view the upcoming derby as an opportunity for Man City to adjust their new squad after the changes made during the summer transfer window. As a result, I don't expect the high-scoring events, but win is certainly possible. I'm particularly interested in seeing Donnarumma's performance at derby. A lot will depend on his skills. Will he be a full substitute for Ederson in the current season? Only time will tell.

Donnarumma didn't play for PSG this season. He played for the first time this season thanks to World Cup qualifiers. But still he'd lack fitness.

However I still think Guardiola will choose him for the next match in the PL. Trafford looks really hard to trust from now on.   

As for Ederson question, he must be the goalkeeper with most assists in this league. He did great in his time there. But I believe Donnarumma can raise the stake even at a higher level in time...

I can argue with you that Isak will make straight first 11, he was not signed with such high amount to be kept in bench, nobody make such investment. If the coach decides not to use him for the first few matches, that would be on the ground that they expect him to observe and blend into the team not that he is not fit. Although I agree with you that there will be a strong competition between him and Ekitike.

Straight into the starting 11? I don't feel so. I mean at least for the upcoming match. The opponent is Burnley though but Arne Slot might still not risk it. I expect to see him to enter in the 2nd half.

[Issa56]

Manchester United direct wins, no two ways about it, Manchester City don't luck okay to me in this season so Manchester United should seize their moment now to pick their three points out of the game, and I'm sure they will, I just can't wait for the day, and I'm giving them direct wins.

So you think Manchester United will be able to win Manchester city? Don’t you think you taking so much risk by giving Manchester United direct win in the match? I agree that Manchester city performance isn’t so good yet this season, but if you check Manchester United performance also, they are not also performing well also, so even if I will be predicting who will be winning the match, then I won’t be predicting Manchester United to win the match.

The match is going to be a interesting and tough one, and we all know Manchester United performance do always improve whenever they are playing against top teams, but if I will compare the two teams performance, then I will say Manchester city still play better than Manchester United, i know Manchester city is at the bottom of the table right now, but if the match doesn’t end as draw, then am expecting a win from Manchester City, even if they are going to win with a slight goal difference.

[shinratensei_]

The match is going to be a interesting and tough one, and we all know Manchester United performance do always improve whenever they are playing against top teams, but if I will compare the two teams performance, then I will say Manchester city still play better than Manchester United, i know Manchester city is at the bottom of the table right now, but if the match doesn’t end as draw, then am expecting a win from Manchester City, even if they are going to win with a slight goal difference.

City obviously played better but they were ball possession team. They will face MU's gameplay as their counter. We know how MU often play defensive combined with the direct counter attack. It means think City is slightly having disadvantage in this game considering Pep's tactic is always monoton.
Believe me, they will struggle to beat MU and can even lose in this game.

[masulum]

Donnarumma didn't play for PSG this season. He played for the first time this season thanks to World Cup qualifiers. But still he'd lack fitness.

However I still think Guardiola will choose him for the next match in the PL. Trafford looks really hard to trust from now on.   

Guardiola seems to believe that City failure last season was also due to their goalkeeper who was starting to concede goals frequently. This season, City have already conceded 4 goals in Premier League matches, and bringing in Donnarumma at the last minute transfer window could be a solution to solved this problem (IMO). Donnarumma will likely be in the starting eleven on Matchday 4, although he may still tired from the international break.

[fuguebtc]

Manchester United direct wins, no two ways about it, Manchester City don't luck okay to me in this season so Manchester United should seize their moment now to pick their three points out of the game, and I'm sure they will, I just can't wait for the day, and I'm giving them direct wins.

So you think Manchester United will be able to win Manchester city? Don’t you think you taking so much risk by giving Manchester United direct win in the match? I agree that Manchester city performance isn’t so good yet this season, but if you check Manchester United performance also, they are not also performing well also, so even if I will be predicting who will be winning the match, then I won’t be predicting Manchester United to win the match.

The match is going to be a interesting and tough one, and we all know Manchester United performance do always improve whenever they are playing against top teams, but if I will compare the two teams performance, then I will say Manchester city still play better than Manchester United, i know Manchester city is at the bottom of the table right now, but if the match doesn’t end as draw, then am expecting a win from Manchester City, even if they are going to win with a slight goal difference.

You're right, Issa56, City have had a bit of a slow start and Uniteds game is also inconsistent, so the derby race is open. Yes, the bookies might still favor City because of the depth of their squad however the result depends on the race, injuries, strategy & courage. so It's a bit risky to bet directly on Man U to win & if you think City is a sure thing that's also a bit of an illusion. imo It's still safer to just keep the stakes small, a draw or same game multi. i could see this match will take place on14 sep at Etihad

[Velvet78]

Guardiola seems to believe that City failure last season was also due to their goalkeeper who was starting to concede goals frequently. This season, City have already conceded 4 goals in Premier League matches, and bringing in Donnarumma at the last minute transfer window could be a solution to solved this problem (IMO). Donnarumma will likely be in the starting eleven on Matchday 4, although he may still tired from the international break.

I think it wouldn't be nice to go harsh on only the goalkeeper. Defense and midfield also played a role in this in the end. Plus, Ederson couldn't even play for a full season so Ortega had to play for more than 10 games.

But the Donnarumma signing is really great. He is one of the best GKs in the world right now. And Guardiola had a chance to snatch him for only 30 million euros. Let's see how next games will go on after his arrival.

[X-ray]

Guardiola seems to believe that City failure last season was also due to their goalkeeper who was starting to concede goals frequently. This season, City have already conceded 4 goals in Premier League matches, and bringing in Donnarumma at the last minute transfer window could be a solution to solved this problem (IMO). Donnarumma will likely be in the starting eleven on Matchday 4, although he may still tired from the international break.

You seem forget if City's defense was strong, it's hard for their opponent to break into the 18 yard box. The problem is that their defense is crap, and not yet fixed. Even if they sign Donnarumma, it will not change the thing a lot.

[hyudien]

You seem forget if City's defense was strong, it's hard for their opponent to break into the 18 yard box. The problem is that their defense is crap, and not yet fixed. Even if they sign Donnarumma, it will not change the thing a lot.

But I think Donnarumma arrival will have quite an impact on Man City GA because Donnarumma has a high level of accuracy in breaking down the opponent's chances, but yes, it must be admitted that when Man City defenders are weak enough, Gigio will be overwhelmed too, what I noticed is that Man City weakness is in Kusanov, I think he is still not strong enough in defending sensitive areas, maybe because the chemistry he built with his teammates is still not strong enough.

[X-ray]

You seem forget if City's defense was strong, it's hard for their opponent to break into the 18 yard box. The problem is that their defense is crap, and not yet fixed. Even if they sign Donnarumma, it will not change the thing a lot.

But I think Donnarumma arrival will have quite an impact on Man City GA because Donnarumma has a high level of accuracy in breaking down the opponent's chances, but yes, it must be admitted that when Man City defenders are weak enough, Gigio will be overwhelmed too, what I noticed is that Man City weakness is in Kusanov, I think he is still not strong enough in defending sensitive areas, maybe because the chemistry he built with his teammates is still not strong enough.

I don't wanna guess it whether Donna will perform or not in City. He never had exp on PL, and we know how played in french league is far easy than here. So i would still stick to the low expectation for him struggle on his first season at City. I'm not pessimistic, but i'm realistic.

[satscraper]

You seem forget if City's defense was strong, it's hard for their opponent to break into the 18 yard box. The problem is that their defense is crap, and not yet fixed. Even if they sign Donnarumma, it will not change the thing a lot.

But I think Donnarumma arrival will have quite an impact on Man City GA because Donnarumma has a high level of accuracy in breaking down the opponent's chances, but yes, it must be admitted that when Man City defenders are weak enough, Gigio will be overwhelmed too, what I noticed is that Man City weakness is in Kusanov, I think he is still not strong enough in defending sensitive areas, maybe because the chemistry he built with his teammates is still not strong enough.

I don't wanna guess it whether Donna will perform or not in City. He never had exp on PL, and we know how played in french league is far easy than here. So i would still stick to the low expectation for him struggle on his first season at City. I'm not pessimistic, but i'm realistic.

Agreed that in comparison with Premier League It is much easier to play for the team in French League. There are few serious opponents of PSG over there while here every team can strike into your net thus for Donna every match will be challenging one. Probably after the half of the season it will be more or less clear of his ability to accommodate himself to the playing style of Man City's rivals. 

[Agbe]

You seem forget if City's defense was strong, it's hard for their opponent to break into the 18 yard box. The problem is that their defense is crap, and not yet fixed. Even if they sign Donnarumma, it will not change the thing a lot.

But I think Donnarumma arrival will have quite an impact on Man City GA because Donnarumma has a high level of accuracy in breaking down the opponent's chances, but yes, it must be admitted that when Man City defenders are weak enough, Gigio will be overwhelmed too, what I noticed is that Man City weakness is in Kusanov, I think he is still not strong enough in defending sensitive areas, maybe because the chemistry he built with his teammates is still not strong enough.

I don't wanna guess it whether Donna will perform or not in City. He never had exp on PL, and we know how played in french league is far easy than here. So i would still stick to the low expectation for him struggle on his first season at City. I'm not pessimistic, but i'm realistic.

Agreed that in comparison with Premier League It is much easier to play for the team in French League. There are few serious opponents of PSG over there while here every team can strike into your net thus for Donna every match will be challenging one. Probably after the half of the season it will be more or less clear of his ability to accommodate himself to the playing style of Man City's rivals. 

I don't think so always people always tried to rate the English premier League above other leagues but personally speaking am not a fan of that if a team/ player  is good such a player can go to any league and perform well too, so there is no need trying to bring the quality of the French ligue here because it's obviously clear that this goal keeper is a good player that can excell at any team and league.

[masulum]

You seem forget if City's defense was strong, it's hard for their opponent to break into the 18 yard box. The problem is that their defense is crap, and not yet fixed. Even if they sign Donnarumma, it will not change the thing a lot.

I understand it's not entirely the goalkeeper's fault, but this could be seen as a decline in his abilities retaining the current goalkeeper might not be able to solved City defensive weaknesses. However, having Donnarumma as their goalkeeper and acting as the last line of defense might help minimize goals conceded. This is why I said maybe City wanted to stop the problem and believe to Donnarumma to hold off the opponent attacks.

[Solodoski]

What do you think about this derby?

I think the derby will be very hard to predict a winner,  although I believe most people will go for Manchester City to win. In my opinion I think Manchester City is not at their best right now and also Manchester United in my opinion has a good team and if they can get it right, they might cause a lot of problems for Manchester City.
Manchester United has a good attack, but they just have to try and take their chances, while Manchester City on the other hand has been very poor defensively, so I think they will definitely score each other, but I can't predict who will win the day.

[DaNNy001]

What do you think about this derby?

I think the derby will be very hard to predict a winner,  although I believe most people will go for Manchester City to win. In my opinion I think Manchester City is not at their best right now and also Manchester United in my opinion has a good team and if they can get it right, they might cause a lot of problems for Manchester City.
Manchester United has a good attack, but they just have to try and take their chances, while Manchester City on the other hand has been very poor defensively, so I think they will definitely score each other, but I can't predict who will win the day.

If not for the fact that Manchester city are really unstable themselves I would have said that this game would have been an easy win for Manchester City but I really can't say that anymore because both Manchester City and Manchester United are a team that have been playing shit although united are respectful not all that bad but they lack the ability to convert the chances they create in front of goal and that's an area that Manchester city will be better because they would not miss like United.

[knowngunman]

You're right, Issa56, City have had a bit of a slow start and Uniteds game is also inconsistent, so the derby race is open. Yes, the bookies might still favor City because of the depth of their squad however the result depends on the race, injuries, strategy & courage. so It's a bit risky to bet directly on Man U to win & if you think City is a sure thing that's also a bit of an illusion. imo It's still safer to just keep the stakes small, a draw or same game multi. i could see this match will take place on14 sep at Etihad

Did you just say its a bit risky to bet on Manchester united to win? That's not a bit risky, it's absolutely risky. In fact, I don't think any gambler would risk their investment on Manchester united in the first place. Although, I'm not confident that Manchester City will win either but betting in favor of Manchester united is a bad approach to this game. Both teams are in a moment of struggle but Manchester City seems to look prettier than United and the bookies already consider this by giving City a fair and lower odds. I will be surprised if Manchester United turn things opposite.