Man Utd vs Man City: Preview & Prediction

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Match Preview:

There’s nothing quite like the Manchester derby and while the narrative will be about how Manchester City have been utterly superior to United in the last decade Erik ten Hag’s side would only be a point behind City with victory here. 

The most in form side in the league since the restart has been Manchester United and the club seem to have grown since Cristiano Ronaldo left them. It’s as if the Portuguese departure has freed up other players to play their natural game but also it seems to have freed up the dressing room and for now no one can deny that Ten Hag is doing a solid job. United have won their last 4 games however apart from Fulham all of the teams have been in the lower half of the league. The Red Devils last home game was a 3-0 win over Bournemouth and at home they have won 6 games from 8 and only lost once so far and have only conceded 4 goals.

United have been busy in both domestic cup competitions too and have beaten Everton 3-1 in the FA Cup to reach the fourth round and have reached the semi-finals of the EFL Cup after beating Charlton 3-0. While Nottingham Forest will not be underestimated if United beat them they will have reached the EFL Cup final which would be a huge boost to the club at this current time.

Manchester City come into this game on the back of a poor result after being knocked out of the EFL Cup, a competition they have dominated over the past decade. In a shock result they were beaten 2-0 by Southampton despite playing a strong side. In the FA Cup though City destroyed Chelsea 4-0 to advance in that competition so it isn’t all bad news. Pep Guardiola’s team could cut Arsenal’s lead at the top to just 2 points as they play this game before the Gunners but one suspects they will be in for quite a battle.

Seven points from the last 12 available isn’t a terrible return for most sides but for the champions who are already lagging behind it hasn’t been the best form. City recently drew 1-1 at home to struggling Everton although they did beat Chelsea 1-0 in their last league game and that was also their last away game. Whatever happens this weekend Guardiola’s side cannot lose 2nd place but they can’t afford Arsenal to gain the advantage once again and they do have the 2nd best away record in the league with 17 points won from 24 and just the one defeat which came against Liverpool.

Team News:

Manchester United: Diego Dalot is being tipped to return from a muscle injury but will be assessed. Jadon Sancho has fitness issues and is expected to miss out once again. Donny van de Beek is sidelined with a knee injury.

Manchester City: The clubs only injury concern is that of Ruben Dias with his knee and he remains a major doubt and could well miss the rest of the month at the very least.

Man Utd vs Man City Head to Head:

Last season this fixture finished 2-0 to Manchester City.

Earlier in the season in the reverse fixture Manchester City won 6-3.

It’s been almost 3 years since Manchester United beat City when at home in the league.

Manchester City have scored 10 goals against United in the last two games.

Man Utd vs Man City Prediction:

Recent history says that this game is a Manchester City win all the way, but we really need to look into form. City have not played brilliant football since September now and that may be puzzling given how they have every chance to still win the league. However City are so strong with individual brilliance that they can play a very average game but still win and that has kept the club afloat but they are not dominating games in the way that they have in the past and their passing has not been at their normal level. Some of their players look fatigued and yet of course they remain dangerous. Was the recent Southampton defeat a wake up call? Will they come out a wounded animal, that is to be seen. What we do know is that City have started too many games off the pace and they won’t be able to do that not in a derby away from home.

Granted we know that City can come here and score 3 or 4 goals but we also have to respect how well United have been playing. City don’t lose many games but they did lose to Liverpool who have hardly been having a good season so far and United have the players to win this game and we think they look good value with the form, confidence and buzz this side has at the moment. United are a very good price at home to win this and they should start on the front foot, this game will be about banishing the earlier 6-3 result to bed and we don’t see City having the best of times here, this will be a huge test for Guardiola’s team and will tell us where exactly their level currently is at.

Man Utd vs Man City Betting Tips:

Asian handicap (+0.5 Manchester United) at 2.00

Anytime goalscorer: Marcus Rashford at 3.25

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