Manchester United vs Manchester City Betting Preview

Kick-off: Sunday, December 10 @4:30 PM GMT

Venue: Old Trafford (Manchester)

Head to head record

Man United vs Man City 2-0 (2017 International Champions Cup)
Man City vs Man United 0-0 (2016/2017 Premier League)
Man United vs Man City 1-0 (2016/2017 League Cup)
Man United vs Man City 1-2 (2016/2017 Premier League)
Man City vs Man United 0-1 (2015/2016 Premier League)

Manchester United vs Manchester City prediction

Manchester United and Manchester City, the two bitter local rivals, face each other at Old Trafford in the Manchester derby. This has to go down as a must-win game for the Red Devils, but beating the high-flying Citizens is easier said than done.

Four straight wins

Manchester United do not want to give up on their title dream. The Red Devils have been producing splendid performances in the Premier League of late and they did well to roll over Arsenal at Emirates Stadium at the weekend. Jose Mourinho’s men are on a four-game winning run in the English top flight ahead of the Manchester derby, but they are still eight points adrift of league leaders Man City. Manchester United face a must-win situation in Sunday’s local derby and there is every chance the hosts will go all guns blazing at the Citizens. Paul Pogba was sent off in the 3-1 win over Arsenal, but Jose Mourinho has a number of top-class players to choose from and the Red Devils are definitely capable of picking up all three points from the Manchester derby. Romelu Lukaku, who scored the winner against CSKA Moscow on Tuesday evening, is likely to lead the line for the hosts against the Citizens.

The likes of Marouane Fellaini and Eric Bailly are both sidelined with an injury, whilst Phil Jones is unlikely to recover in time to face Manchester City. Paul Pogba misses the match through suspension.

Guardiola’s unstoppable machine

Manchester City are determined to regain the Premier League title and they have been impressive in the first half of the season. Pep Guardiola’s men are high on confidence ahead of the Manchester derby and they are on a 13-game winning run in the national championship. The Catalan tactician rested his first-team regulars in the Champions League loss to Shakhtar Donetsk, but, no doubt, he is going to field the best possible side against Man Utd. Belgium international Kevin de Bruyne is enjoying a season to remember and all eyes will be on him when the two fierce local rivals face each other at the “Theatre of Dreams”. Despite the fact that the visitors would be happy with one point from the match, the Citizens are likely to stick to their attacking style of play and a lively contest is on the horizon.

John Stones and Benjamin Mendy remain in the recovery room, whilst David Silva should be fully fit to face Man Utd. Kun Aguero is likely to be recalled to the starting line-up after he started from the bench in the 2-1 loss to Shakhtar Donetsk.

Interesting Facts

• Under 2.5 goals were scored in five of their last six meetings in all competitions
• Man Utd aim to keep their 100% record at home intact
• Romelu Lukaku has netted 8 goals in the EPL so far this term
• Man City scored exactly two goals in each of their last four league fixtures
• Pep Guardiola’s men suffered their last loss in EPL in April 2017 against Chelsea

Manchester United vs Manchester City betting pick

Both Manchester United have been in a fine form of late and there is every chance both sides will go for a win in the Manchester derby. The Citizens have been scoring goals for fun in the Premier League this season and given the Red Devils’ attacking potential, a real football festival is on the cards.

Pick: Both teams to score

Odds: 7/10