Verdict: Antoine Semenyo over 0.5 shots on target
Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker: Luckster
With all eyes falling on Old Trafford this weekend, Manchester bragging rights will be up for grabs when the arch-rivals meet on Saturday lunchtime.
Manchester United
Starting with the hosts, while Michael Carrick might have officially made his temporary return to Old Trafford on Tuesday, the former Middlesbrough boss has a major job on his hands in an attempt to steady the ship at Old Trafford. Ending Ruben Amorim’s 14-month reign at the helm earlier in the month following a 1-1 stalemate against historic foes Leeds, the Red Devils have once again shown a string of glaring inconsistencies. Playing out three consecutive Premier League stalemates on either side of opening the New Year, United have come tumbling down the table and will once again be bracing themselves for a stern examination here. Mustering just a single win from any of their previous seven appearances across all competitions, Saturday’s hosts have also gained an unwanted reputation for their glaring defensive struggles. In fact, United have remarkably recorded just a sole clean sheet from any of their last 15 straight domestic showdowns.
Manchester United Team News
Both suffering respective AFCON heartbreak last weekend, Manchester United will welcome back Amad Diallo and big-money summer recruit Bryan Mbeumo will return to Carrick’s maiden squad here. However, not featuring since the end of November, Dutch international Matthijs de Ligt remains on the sidelines.
Bagging a consolation FA Cup strike against Brighton last weekend and now registering three goals in his back-to-back appearances over the past week, fellow new recruit Benjamin Sesko will spearhead United’s attack. Former Real Madrid superstar Casemiro could be handed a full recall in the middle of the park.
Manchester City
As for the visitors, while Manchester City might have seen their Premier League title dreams take a major blow earlier in the month as they opened the New Year with three consecutive draws, Pep Guardiola’s men claimed an essential boost over the past week. Getting their EFL Cup semi-final adventure underway with a rugged 2-0 victory away at Newcastle, the former Barcelona boss will be dreaming of a repeat performance here. Facing what is a must-win showdown when they travel to Old Trafford on Saturday lunchtime, the Sky Blues should also be excited by their reverse battle against United. Cruising their way to a routine 3-0 romp when they welcomed their arch-rivals to the Etihad back on September 14th, it should also be highlighted that City have suffered just a sole Premier League defeat in the red half of Manchester since way back in March 2020. Getting Saturday’s heavyweight battle underway sat six points adrift of Arsenal, Guardiola’s men have plenty of pressure on their shoulders.
Manchester City Team News
Suffering a reported broken shinbone during City 1-1 stalemate against Chelsea on January 4th, Croatian international Josko Gvardiol faces a lengthy stint on the sidelines. Still away representing Egypt at this month’s AFCON, Omar Marmoush will not play any part at Old Trafford.
Once again finding the net at St. James’ Park in midweek and recording back-to-back strikes since arriving from Bournemouth last week, Antoine Semenyo will keep his spot from the start. Remarkably finding the net in just one of his previous six appearances, striking superstar Erling Haaland will be looking to draw a line under his minor drought.
Manchester United vs Manchester City Key Factors to Consider
- When Manchester City welcomed United to the Etihad for their reverse Premier League showdown on September 14th, the Sky Blues cruised their way to an empathic 3-0 victory.
- Guardiola’s men have suffered just a single Premier League defeat at Old Trafford since back in March 2020.
- United have remarkably recorded just a sole clean sheet from any of their last 15 straight domestic matchups across competitions.
- Both United and City have played out a stalemate in each of their previous three consecutive Premier League appearances.
- Since arriving from Bournemouth last week, Antoine Semenyo has found the net in his first two Manchester City appearances.
Conclusion
Cruising their way to a routine 3-0 victory when they welcomed their arch-rivals to the Etihad for their reverse Premier League battle on September 14th, Man City will be desperately seeking a repeat performance here. Getting Saturday’s trip to Old Trafford underway sat six points adrift of runaway leaders Arsenal, the Sky Blues will be more than aware that they face a must-win showdown here. While Carrick might be making his second United debut following his shock return earlier in the week, United’s leaky defence will certainly be asked some serious questions this weekend.
Verdict: Antoine Semenyo over 0.5 shots on target
Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker: Luckster
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