It has been a challenging season for both Manchester United and Manchester City, but there will still be plenty at stake when they clash in the 196th Manchester derby at Old Trafford on Sunday.
United go into the match struggling in the lower half of the Premier League table and with little to fight for in the domestic league, as their main focus lies on the upcoming Europa League quarter-final against Lyon.
On the other hand, City have already given up hopes of defending their title and are now concentrating on securing a spot in the Champions League for the next season.
The previous meeting at the Etihad Stadium in December saw late goals from Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo leading United to a come-from-behind 2-1 victory in a dramatic encounter.
Team news
The hero of United's last match against City in December, Diallo, is still sidelined with an ankle injury, along with Lisandro Martinez (knee), Jonny Evans (muscle), Kobbie Mainoo (calf), and Ayden Heaven (ankle).
Luke Shaw has returned to training after a hamstring problem, but he is unlikely to feature in this game. Harry Maguire and Mason Mount could be in the starting lineup after appearing as substitutes in the midweek loss to Nottingham Forest.
City will continue to miss Erling Haaland due to an ankle injury sustained in the FA Cup victory over Bournemouth. Defensive players Nathan Ake (foot), John Stones (thigh), and Manuel Akanji (adductor) remain out, as well as key midfielder Rodri, who is not expected to return until the summer.
The stats
United are heading towards their worst-ever finish in the Premier League and have suffered more defeats (seven) than wins (six) at Old Trafford this season.
The recent 1-0 loss at the City Ground marked United's 13th league defeat of the season, with only four wins in the top-flight since the start of the year.
United's 2-1 victory over City in December stands out as a bright spot in their season. They remain unbeaten in the last three meetings with Pep Guardiola's team in all competitions during regular time.
City have secured consecutive wins against Bournemouth in the FA Cup and Leicester in the league, but they have not won three games in a row since early January.
Guardiola's side claimed a 3-0 win in their last trip to Old Trafford in October 2023, with Haaland scoring a brace in that match.
Out of the 195 previous Manchester derbies, United have won 80 times compared to City's 62 victories, with 53 draws between the two teams.
Prediction
Both United and City have endured disappointing seasons, but with City winning four of their last six matches in all competitions, they are likely to continue United's struggles at home.
Since Amorim took charge in November, United have only beaten relegation-threatened Ipswich and Southampton, along with a struggling Everton side under Sean Dyche at that time, at Old Trafford in the league.
Although United will aim to win the derby, their focus should be on the Europa League clash with Lyon coming up on Thursday.
City's main target is to secure a top-four finish for Champions League qualification next season, and even without Haaland, they should have enough quality to overcome their city rivals.