We examine one of the key battles we expect to take place with a look at how United’s Marouane Fellaini and City’s Fernandinho compare stats-wise...
Appearances
Both players have featured in all of their sides’ 2016/17 fixtures. Fellaini has started all of United’s league games, while Ferna has started all but the Champions League second leg clash with Steaua, when he came off the bench for Kelechi Iheanacho.
- Fellaini: 3
- Fernandinho: 4 (plus one substitute appearance)
Goals scored
Neither player is particularly renowned for his goalscoring ability so it’s no surprise they have just one goal between them in 2016/17 - it belongs to Ferna for his powerful header against West Ham. Therefore, in the shot accuracy stakes, Ferna leads by 100%!
- Fellaini: 0
- Fernandinho: 1
Pass completion
Both hold impressive stats in this field but Fellaini comes out just on top. Ferna however has made 26 more forward passes than Fellani (167 to 141), and the United man has made almost twice as many backward passes (75 to 41).
- Fellaini: 91%
- Fernandinho: 87%
Tackles won
Another close one! Fellaini has made more tackles - but Ferna has been more successful in his exploits.
- Fellaini: 7/18 (38.8%)
- Fernandinho: 6/15 (40%)
Interceptions
Both are pretty sharp when it comes to blocking potential attacks.
Fellaini - 7
Fernandinho - 6
Aerial duels
No prizes for guessing who comes out on top in this category...
Fellaini - 73.3%
Fernandinho - 37.5%
Summary
Who will hold the upper hand on Saturday? Join our Matchday Centre team for full coverage from around 8am BST.
