Manchester United travel to the Etihad Stadium for Sunday’s Premier League derby against Manchester City.
The Red Devils started their campaign with two defeats, but have since turned around their fortunes with four straight wins.
They will be aiming to extend the run in the 188th Manchester derby, but it won’t be an easy task against an in- form City side.
Pep Guardiola’s men are just one of two teams including Tottenham Hotspur that are unbeaten in the league this term (five wins and two draws).
The Cityzens did the Premier League double over United last season, but they will come up against a more resolute and organised outfit this weekend.
The betting odds for this game rightly favour the hosts, but there is something to be said about derby upsets and United’s performances against top teams when playing on the counter have been fantastic.
This is a game where you can use a platform like WhichBookie Tips to shop around and get the best possible betting tips. We’re backing a draw and feel a United win is possible, but you already knew that, didn’t you?
Team News
Manchester City
The Cityzens will be without John Stones (thigh) and Kalvin Phillips (shoulder) with injuries. Aymeric Laporte is another doubt for the derby with a knee issue. The Spaniard may require a late fitness test to determine his availability.
Manchester United
The Red Devils have been handed a boost with Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford back in full training after Achilles and muscle injuries respectively. However, Harry Maguire has been ruled out with a muscular injury of his own. Brandon Williams and Phil Jones are long-term absentees.
Predicted Line-ups
Man City XI (4-3-3): Ederson Moraes; Kyle Walker, Ruben Dias, Nathan Ake, Joao Cancelo; Kevin de Bruyne, Rodri, Ilkay Gundogan; Bernardo Silva, Erling Braut Haaland, Phil Foden.
Man Utd XI (4-2-3-1): David de Gea; Diogo Dalot, Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez, Tyrell Malacia; Scott Mctominay, Christian Eriksen; Antony, Bruno Fernandes, Jadon Sancho; Marcus Rashford.
Prediction
United outclassed Liverpool and Arsenal on the counter-attack, and we could see a similar tactical approach against the Cityzens.
The return of Rashford is a big boost as he perfectly fits into the system. City will start as favourites, but United should fancy their chances in the Manchester derby.
We fancy them to get at least a point from the Etihad, but a victory can’t be completely ruled out as Ake could be a possible weak link in the Cityzens defence that United can take advantage of.
Man City 1-1 Man Utd
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
