This weekend, one of the largest sporting events—if not the largest will feature a match between Manchester City and Manchester United. The Manchester Derby will once more dominate coverage in the media, be the center of attention, and hopefully deliver a special moment like it has so many other times before. The Citizens are the favorites; they are unbeaten at the moment, and Haaland is on fire. Erik Ten Hag has discovered a formula for success, at least for the time being, as the Red Devils are on the rise.
Manchester City appeared to be in good shape going into the international break, while United, who have already won four straight games following a shaky start, are already five points behind their significant neighbors.
Last season’s Manchester derbies were ones to forget for United, who were humiliated 4-1 at the Etihad after falling 2-0 at home. Manchester City will be optimistic about another commanding performance this time around, especially with the seemingly unstoppable Erling Haaland up top.
Form Guide: Manchester City
Manchester City, the league’s top team thus far, is now ranked second in the English Premier League, one point behind Arsenal. The Citizens have five wins, two draws, and the most goals scored in the league (23), with the fewest goals allowed (six) (the least in the EPL).
The Citizens defeated Wolves by a score of 3-0 before the break. However, the 4-2 victory over Crystal Palace and the 3-3 draw at St. James’ Park showed that this City team is far from impenetrable at the back if you can get at them.
Also, they have been pretty confident in the UEFA Champions League, trashing Sevilla on the road, 0-4, and beating Borussia Dortmund at home, 2-1, flipping the result in the final 15 minutes of the event. Overall, for the moment, they have five wins in the last six matchups, with one draw against Aston Villa on the road.
Manchester City scored at least twice in each game this season except for that one in Birmingham. Their matches are very effective; seven of the last nine have had three or more hits.
Form Guide: Manchester United
Since defeating Arsenal 3-1 at the beginning of the month, United hasn’t played in a Premier League match, but on the plus side, this has given manager Erik ten Hag more time to work with his players on the practice field. Erling Haaland, who has scored at least once in every Premier League game he has played so far, is undoubtedly the focus of some of that prep time.
Manchester United got off to the worst possible start to the year, losing to Brentford 4-0 away from home and Brighton 1-2 at home. After that, Ten Haag benched Ronaldo and Maguire, and the Red Devils’ fortunes started to turn around.
They would triumph against rivals like Liverpool and Arsenal in the EPL four times in a row, by scores of 2-1 and 3-1, respectively. Anthony was brought in by Ten Hag from Ajax, making United’s offensive far more dangerous.
We should expect a very resilient Manchester United to feature in this fixture today, with a lot of their players adequately rested after the international break
How the game could go
They are incredibly tight odds, which is almost always the case when Manchester City plays at home in the league. Scoreless draws against Newcastle and Aston Villa show that, despite the costs, they don’t just have to show up every week to succeed.
And in a Manchester derby, that is most definitely the case, especially given how well the opponent is positioned to counter the home team. Rashford, Sanchez, and Anthony form a potent front three that is capable of frightening Manchester City’s defense, with Fernandes working the strings in the background.
The hosts are simply a better team than United, who is still in the process of reconstruction. It would be surprising to see them stay unbeaten at Etihad, despite the positive results and solid performances in the past few weeks.
Betting Predictions
Manchester City to Win
Manchester City already looks in full flow this season, though who’s to say the disruption of an international break could hamper that? Manchester United have somewhat shaken off a dismal start, though their showings in the Europa League have been far from convincing. Manchester City starts as the overwhelming favorite and expects Haaland to be on the Scoresheet. Despite their recent solid performances and successful outcomes, it would be remarkable if they could salvage something from the Etihad. Bet9ja have 1.36, 1xbet have 1.34 and Paripesa have 1.34 odds.
Over 2.5
In the last four meetings between the two teams, including both Manchester derbies in the Premier League last season, Man City has enjoyed the advantage over Man Utd. We anticipate another action-packed 90 minutes this weekend after over 2.5 goals were scored in Man City’s 4-1 victory over the other club in their most recent meeting. You can see why we’re picking at least three goals asides from the home win selection on Sunday given that Manchester City has won five of their previous six games overall and each of those triumphs has included more than 2.5 goals. Bet9ja have 1.43 odds, Paripesa have 1.43, and 1xbet have 1.43 odds.
Anytime Goalscorer (Manchester City)
Erling Haaland
Haaland is setting new standards for strikers in the Premier League this season, adapting to the change of pace and physicality of England’s top flight like a duck to water. We’re backing the young Norwegian striker to score a goal in his debut Manchester derby on Sunday, possibly taking his tally to 12 goals in the league alone this season. Bet9ja have 1.60 odds for him to score while Paripesa have 1.65.
Julian Alvarez
The Argentine striker might be a really good pick here as he can come off the bench and perform some magic. He has already netted two goals with his really low game time and he has done that from coming off the bench. Today he could be the difference Pep needs to help his side win the tie. With the second most goals for his side already there is no doubt why he is here. Bet9ja have 2.25 odds for him to score while Paripesa have 1.95.
Anytime Goalscorer (Manchester United)
Bruno Fernandez
Bruno has without a doubt been the face of the resurgent Manchester United form after picking form following their terrible losses at the start of the season. With two goal contributions in his last four PL games for the club, he would be the inspiration his coach needs on the pitch. He has had recent history scoring in this fixture and we might see that happen again given that Manchester City has a shaky defense. Bet9ja have 5.50 odds for him to score while Paripesa have 5.50.
Jadon Sancho
With the likely absence of forwards Rashford and Martial, Sancho would be given the nod to start this fixture today. The forward has also benefited from his team’s Upturn in form with three goals already in all competitions and two in the PL this season with just one goal left to equal last season’s tally. He is a well-known big game player scoring already in the win against Liverpool and also featuring in their last season in the goals when his side lost to Manchester City. He would have a high chance of scoring here today. Bet9ja have 6.75 odds for him to score while Paripesa have 8.50.
Football Lover. All-round junkie of the beautiful game. Could be found watching football most of the time. If not he’s writing about them or making some punditry you don’t agree with. A certain bias for Arsenal and Santos FC.