Manchester United welcome local rivals Manchester City to Old Trafford on Sunday in the biggest game of the weekend in the Premier League.
The Red Devils have already lost considerable ground on the teams at the top, so all hopes of fighting for the title look to already be dashed. While it hasn’t been the perfect start for City either, they only find themselves two points off top spot heading into this weekend.
This is the 191st edition of the Manchester Derby and they don’t tend to disappoint. Here, we’ll preview this titanic clash in the hopes that we can find you some winning bets.
Recent resurgence
After a pretty dismal start to their Premier League campaign this season, United have enjoyed a mini resurgence of late. Back to back 2-1 wins against Brentford and Sheffield United helped alleviate some pressure on manager Erik ten Hag before a dramatic 1-0 win over Copenhagen in the Champions League in midweek, which included a last minute penalty save from goalkeeper Andre Onana.
City have lost a bit of ground on league leaders Tottenham, having already suffered two defeats this campaign, most recently against Arsenal just a couple of weeks ago. They bounced back with a good 2-1 win over Brighton, which was followed by a much more facile 3-1 win over Young Boys in the Champions League. That will have filled the team with confidence as they prepare to take on their neighbours.
Draw won’t do
Pep Guardiola’s men cannot afford to lose anymore ground on Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs, who are expected to get three points against Crystal Palace on Friday night. That makes this a must win for the visitors, as they’re expected to come into this five points adrift if results don’t go their way over the course of the weekend. Having already lost a couple of games, a draw just won’t do for City.
It won’t do for United either, who currently sit in eighth place and already looking at a top four finish as their main aim for this campaign. They’re five points off fourth place going into the weekend, so they really need a win if they want to close the gap and qualify for next season’s Champions League.
Previous form
The fact that United won the last time these two met at Old Trafford has to give the hosts some confidence ahead of this game. Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford were on target to turn the game on its head after City took the lead in that game in January. The most recent meeting was in last season’s FA Cup Final, which Guardiola’s men won 2-1 on their way to emulating United’s formerly exclusive record of the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League treble.
Having their historic treble win eclipsed by their local rivals could add an extra level of space to this and we can’t wait.
Suggested bets
- Manchester City to Win & BTTS
- Scott McTominay and Erling Haaland both to score
- 2-3 Correct Score
