Manchester Derby: Manchester United vs. Manchester City Preview, Odds, Prediction

Manchester United and Manchester City are going to write another chapter of their rivalry today. The Red Devils are awaiting the still reigning English Premier League champions. The hosts are hoping to capture three points, which would be extremely important in their Champions League race. On the other side, the Citizens want to avenge two defeats suffered at Etihad and level the scores from this season.

Preview

Manchester United (+350) didn’t lose in nine straight games. During that stretch, the Red Devils posted six wins and three losses, and they kept seven clean sheets. It is something which a lot of people didn’t notice at all. Solskajer’s side really did improve its overall form in the last few weeks, but they are still one point away from the fifth position, which leads to the UCL. Apart from losing versus Burnley at Trafford, United kept four clean sheets in the previous five home matches. To be honest, that is the only way Untied can win points. Protecting its own net, and relying upon set pieces or fast transitions, which they execute very well. Each time the Red Devils opened up and tried to be offensive against any rival, they wouldn’t do very well.

Manchester City (-143) is in a weird spot. They are the biggest favorites to win the title of the competition they are banned for the upcoming two years. You got to admit it, it’s odd. But, Guardiola isn’t allowing his players to ease up the pressure on the field, and right now, the Sky-Blues have five straight victories, he latest one against Aston Villa in the finals of the English Football League Cup. It is the first trophy of the season, and it will no doubt be a massive boost of morale for the crew, regardless of the fact that this competition doesn’t have some specific value to most of the fans. Five of their latest six games saw a moderate efficiency, meaning two or three goals, and unlike the start of the campaign, once City played ruthless football, they did slow down with productivity.

Latest News

Paul Pogba and Marcus Rashford are not going to play, but that is something already known. What wasn’t predicted were minor injuries of other players, most importantly Harry Maguire’s, Daniel James’ and Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s. All of them are questionable, and that is what frightens United’s fans.

On the other side, Aymeric Laporte is out, while Kevin De Bruyne might skip the game due to a shoulder injury.

Head to Head Games

Manchester United has a better head to head record in clashes against Man City. The Red Devils posted 75 wins, while Sky-Blues have 54, and 52 ended without winners. They played three times this season, and so far, surprisingly, United has two wins and just one defeat. Also, all the triumphs were recorded away from home.

Predictions

City will come out without pressure, which can’t be really said about United, who doesn’t have the credit to lose in this one. Wolves are making a strong bid for that fifth position, and the way they play now, the Red Devils don’t have any room for mistakes. Our recommendation, in this case, would be to bet on moderate efficiency, meaning 2 or 3 goals. Odds on this are +105.

Pick: 2 or 3 goals, +105

 

For previews for other matches follow this link.