EFL Cup: Manchester United vs. Manchester City Preview, Odds, Prediction

Many believe that this game has lesser value because it is played in the EFL Cup and not in the Premiership or the FA Cup. But once two bitter rivals from Manchester clash, the competition in which they participate is irrelevant. The stakes are much higher than trophies, money, etc. It is about reputation. And that is something worth much more than the above-mentioned stuff.

Preview

United (+400) comes into this match after a loss against Arsenal, which was quite frankly, a small surprise having in mind the way the Gunners played, and a draw versus Wolves in the FA Cup. But that is just the way this United plays, and another proof of their inconsistency and immaturity. Many believed that the Red Devils finally clicked after a series of solid results. Yet, losing at Emirates and not being able to send one shot towards Wolves’ goal brought back the perception of the harsh reality. One thing is now obvious, Solskjaer’s team miles away from the trophy battle in EPL, and they will have to focus on some other competitions if they want to win silverware. The atmosphere around the club is toxic, with Paul Pogba‘s constant nagging about his desire to leave and many other things. As for the statistics, four out of the previous five games this side played ended with under 2.5 goals. On the other hand, United allowed a goal at home in five of the latest seven events.

City (-154) probably gave up on chasing Liverpool, but Guardiola‘s guys became even more motivated to take all other trophies now when they don’t have such a heavy burden on their back. We see that from their interviews and comments all over the media. Although they weren’t playing appealing in the past several games, they have 8 wins and 2 defeats in recent times. In all but the loss against United, they’ve scored two or more goals. While we mention that clash, the Citizens another motive for tonight’s event is that particular failure, after which all the rumors about their capitulation in the title race became widespread. Opposite to United, City’s games are efficient, and only one over the latest 10 hasn’t seen over 2.5 goals, and two were without both sides to score.

Head to Head

Throughout history, United posted 74 victories, City has 53, while 52 games ended without winners. The last event concluded 1-2 for United at Etihad, while the most recent at the Old Trafford went in City’s favor, 0-2. That was the only one in five previous with didn’t saw over 2.5 goals and BTTS.

Predictions

Solskjaer will defend and wait for a chance to struck from the counter-attack. That is the most definite thing in this event. Now, we strongly believe that unlike in the contents at Etihad, Guardiola will not going to be that much offensive and overexpose his backline. City will have the ball, but won’t pressure that much or try to score at any cost, because there is a rematch. After all, written here, our first suggestion would be 2 or 3 goals in this game, with the moneyline at +105. From our perspective, this is perfect.

Pick: 2 or 3 goals +105