The Manchester derby takes place this weekend in one of the biggest clashes in the Premier League season. Man United Man City will be desperate to take all three points on Saturday afternoon after already dropping points in the title race this season. The two sides have been in unconvincing form as City occupy third and United fifth in the Premier League.
An evenly fought contest is expected at Old Trafford this weekend and a guide to online betting will help to pick out the best odds for the Man United vs Man City clash.
Form
Man United put in a ruthless performance in their 3-0 win against Tottenham last weekend. Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s side scored three with just four shots on target, and Cristiano Ronaldo, Marcus Rashford and Edinson Cavani got on the scoresheet.
But the Red Devils could not garner momentum in their following fixture, and they drew 2-2 away at Atalanta in the Champions League. United came from behind twice to draw, with Ronaldo scoring both, including the injury-time equaliser.
Despite some response to the 5-0 hammering against Liverpool two weeks ago, Solskjær’s job remains in the balance. United are winless in four of their last six matches in all competitions, and they have failed to win in their last three home games in the Premier League (lost two, drawn one).
Man City are in poor domestic form after losing their last two matches. The Citizens were eliminated from the EFL Cup after a 0-0 draw with West Ham, which they lost on penalties. City were then stunned by a 2-0 home defeat against Crystal Palace on Saturday.
Pep Guardiola’s side responded with a 4-1 win against Club Brugge in the Champions League on Wednesday. Phil Foden, Riyad Mahrez, Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus all scored to seal the win.
Away form has been an issue for the Citizens recently. They are winless in three of their last five in all competitions. Losses to Paris St Germain and West Ham have come away, and the Citizens were also held to a 2-2 stalemate against Liverpool, despite leading the game twice.
Key Players
Cristiano Ronaldo has proven his worth this season, and three goals in his last three matches prove his importance to United this season. His double against Atalanta covered up a poor display, and the 36-year-old has shown his quality already this season.
Bruno Fernandes continues to impress this season, and the Portuguese playmaker comes into the City match in good form. Fernandes has assisted five goals in his last six for club and country, including the first equaliser against Atalanta on Tuesday.
City’s response to defeat against Brugge on Wednesday highlighted their strength in depth. Phil Foden scored again against Brugge, and the English midfielder has three goals in his last four appearances. Riyad Mahrez also comes into the match in good form, having scored four goals in his last four starts for the Citizens.
Team News
Paul Pogba is suspended, and defensive duo Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelof are doubtful due to injury.
City midfielder Fernan Torres is ruled out with an ankle injury. Centre back Aymeric Laporte was sent off against Palace and is unavailable.
Verdict
A loss for either side would be damaging for their respective seasons at Old Trafford. But domestic form hasn’t been a strength for United or City recently.
The points could be shared at Old Trafford, and goals are expected as the sides have struggled for clean sheets this season.
