Prediction: Both teams to score and Manchester City to win
Odds: 33/20
Bookmaker: 888Sport
The first Manchester derby of the season gets underway on Sunday afternoon as Manchester City and Manchester United clash at Old Trafford.
Both sides come into the clash off the back of excellent victories in the UEFA Champions League and will be looking to continue their positive form against their fierce rivals.
Manchester United
Despite the inconsistent form experienced at Old Trafford in recent weeks, Jose Mourinho’s Red Devils arrive back in England following a stunning 2-1 victory over Italian giants in midweek. As has become the custom for United this season, they went behind due to a fabulous strike from Cristiano Ronaldo, before hitting back in the second-half thanks to an equaliser from Juan Mata and a late own goal from Leonardo Bonucci. That victory in Turin means that Mourinho’s troops have secured three consecutive victories in all competitions. They have not won four in a row since January 2018.
Despite the poor form displayed by Mourinho’s men recently, they have still been strong on home soil, an aspect that the reigning Premier League champions will have to look out for. Under the Portuguese, Manchester United have only lost four games at Old Trafford. However, they have only kept one clean sheet on home soil so far this season, with their last clash at Old Trafford ending 2-1 against Everton.
Team News
United forward, Romelu Lukaku, is a doubt for the hosts after missing the trip to Turin in mid-week. The Belgian has been struggling with a muscular injury. Diogo Dalot is definitely restricted to the sidelines. Despite that, Antonio Valencia could potentially make his return after having surgery on his mouth.
Manchester City
The scoring juggernaut at the Etihad Stadium just seems to be rolling on. After scoring six against Southampton in their last Premier League game, Guardiola’s troops followed that up with a 6-0 win against Shakhtar Donetsk in the UEFA Champions League. That victory meant that the Sky Blues have now scored five or more goals in a game on five occasions already so far this campaign. The current Premier League table-toppers are by far and away the highest scorers in the top flight, having already plundered 33 in only 11 goals. As a matter of fact, since the beginning of the 2017/18 season, they have only failed to score in three league matches.
Despite their brilliant form this season, their dropped points have come on the road. Despite having only conceded one goal away from the Etihad Stadium so far this campaign, they drew with Wolverhampton Wanderers and Liverpool in their last five away league games. Therefore, if Manchester United are looking for inspiration, they could certainly look at that slight chink in the armour.
Team News
Kevin De Bruyne remains ruled out for the Sky Blues with a ligament injury that is set to keep him out of action until at least December. Fellow long-term absentees Claudio Bravo and Eliaquim Mangala are also still on the treatment table. However, Guardiola could have a major boost with the respective returns of Ilkay Gundogan and Nicolas Otamendi.
Key Facts To Consider
- Manchester United have the better record between the two sides (W73, D52, L51)
- The Red Devils came from behind to win the last clash 3-2 between the two at the Etihad Stadium
- Manchester City have only lost one out of their last seven games at Old Trafford
- Jose Mourinho has come up against Pep Guardiola more than any other manager, winning only five of his 21 meetings
- Riyad Mahrez has had a hand in nine goals in his last ten games (six goals, three assists)
Conclusion
This game really does promise to be a thrilling match. Manchester City’s stunning attack is coming up against the Red Devils sloppy defence. However, this game will not be a walkover. Mourinho’s men appear to have founded an inner grit in recent weeks, enabling them to grind out results, much like the Juventus victory. However, the task to keep Guardiola’s reigning champions quiet will be extremely difficult. Consequently, the Citizens should claim the three points at Old Trafford.
Prediction: Both teams to score and Manchester City to win
Odds: 33/20
Bookmaker: 888Sport
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