The Manchester City boss suggested he is planning to deviate from his usual possession-based approach and says his side will set up to play on the counter-attack when Manchester United visit the Etihad Stadium.
City cruised to a 2-0 victory at Old Trafford in November and winning away from home has been a theme of this fixture in recent seasons, with the Reds emerging victorious in each of their last three visits to the Etihad.
Guardiola believes United’s strength on the counter-attack has been a key factor in their success and he feels moving away from his usual style of play will give City the best opportunity of nullifying what he describe as an ‘unstoppable’ opposition attack.
“It’s true we won a lot there more than here, but [there is] no specific reason [for that],” he said at his pre-match press conference.
“It’s happened, but in all the games we were proposing more [in attack] and we were punished on the counter attack, which is there strength and their quality.
“When they can run with Cristiano [Ronaldo], [Anthony] Elanga, [Marcus] Rashford, Jadon Sancho, they are unstoppable.
“They are faster, quicker and that’s why we are going to defend for the first time deeper and use the counter-attack for 90 minutes.”
With local bragging rights on the line, it’s often said there’s more than three points at stake in a derby.
Amongst the fans, it’s a contest which stirs emotion like no other and, whilst Guardiola admits the game benefits from such passion, he says the fixture must be viewed in the context of the entire season.
The 51-year-old is under no illusions as to how important victory is to supporters, but for him it is about moving one step closer to the ultimate goal of lifting the Premier League title.
“Football must be played with emotion, otherwise it would be boring,” added the boss.
“It has to be played with energy and passion, but you have to control emotions, and this is the most important thing.
“I know how important the derby is for our fans but we don’t play to win the derby, we play to win the Premier League. Winning the Derby helps us to win the Premier League, so nothing changes.
“I want to win it because I know how close our opponents are. We have to win nearly all the games to be champions. We know exactly what we have to do, but it is not for the pleasure to win [the derby] and that’s all.
“In previous seasons we have lost to United at home and still win the Premier League. That’s OK. I will sign right now to lose on Sunday and still win the Premier League.
“It’s not a cup game. It’s 38 games, so just play the game. Good vibe, good energy on the pitch.
“I don’t see the table and see United 19 points behind us. I see them and think they are good because they are. That’s all.”
