Sunday’s late Premier League game is a huge Manchester derby with permutations at the top of the table.
While Manchester United have little to play for, they will still want to thwart their bitter rivals’ attempts of qualifying for Europe.
City are having a poor season by their standards and the league is their only way back into European competition next year. By beating Leicester on Wednesday, they put pressure on Newcastle, Chelsea and Aston Villa in the battle for the final Champions League spot. They will want to keep this up by winning at Old Trafford.
MAN UTD VS MAN CITY PREVIEW
Man Utd go into this game off the back of a 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest on Tuesday. An Anthony Elanga solo effort in the fifth minute was enough to separate the sides. However, Murillo saved the day with a goal line clearance from Harry Maguire in the final seconds of the match.
United’s form over the last six matches highlights their erratic season. They have won two, drawn two and lost two, and are currently mired in 13th position. They are safe, but have very little chance of qualifying for Europe either.
It’s hard to determine which Manchester club is having the most disappointing season though as City are a long way off Liverpool at the top of the table. The best they can hope for is a top-four finish. They are in the mix along with at least four other teams.
Man City beat Leicester on Wednesday to secure their first win in three Premier League games. Their current form is erratic too, having won two, drawn one and lost two of their last five matches.
The recent head-to-head record of the two teams also paints a mixed picture.
City have won five of the last seven Premier League games between the two sides. However, they haven’t won in open play against United in the last three fixtures in all competitions.
They needed penalties to beat United in the Community Shield back in August, but lost the FA Cup final 2-1 last May. The most recent encounter between the two sides saw United win 2-1 at the Etihad in December. Two goals in the last three minutes saw the Red Devils come from behind to win the Premier League fixture.
Last season’s corresponding Premier League game saw City win 3-0 at Old Trafford. An Erling Haaland brace and a Phil Foden strike 10 minutes from time sealed a comprehensive win. Foden and Haaland scored again later in the campaign at the Etihad as City ran out 3-1 winners.
However, the Norwegian striker will not feature in this game after picking up an ankle injury against Bournemouth on Sunday. He is likely to miss most, if not all, of the rest of the season. This will undoubtedly weaken City as Haaland is the league’s second-highest scorer this campaign with 21 goals.
MAN UTD VS MAN CITY – PREDICTIONS
Man Utd Win
United are enjoying a fine run of form against City, having beaten them in the reverse fixture at the Etihad back in December. While having little to play for, they would love to thwart their bitter rivals’ European chances, and the home crowd will roar them on. Haaland’s absence will be a big blow for the visitors.
Draw
The last three games between the sides have been tight. City were taken to penalties in the Community Shield following a 1-1 draw, while United’s recent FA Cup and Premier League wins were by a single goal.
Man City Win
City have more to play for, with the battle for Europe being very competitive. They won’t want to drop any points with the likes of Chelsea, Newcastle and Villa hot on their heels.
MAN UTD VS MAN CITY – BETTING TIPS
Draw
You can make a case for either team to win, but judging by recent encounters, I fancy the draw. Haaland’s absence will really dent City and give United greater hope of securing a result.
Both Teams To Score
This bet has come in in the last four games between the two sides and although City will be weakened by Haaland’s injury, they have enough strength in depth to accommodate.
HEAD-TO-HEAD AND KEY STATS
- Man Utd and Man City have played each other 195 times, with United winning 80 encounters. City have won 62, while there have been 53 draws.
- City have won five of the last seven Premier League games between the two sides, but lost the last match back in December.
- United defeated City in last season’s FA Cup final, but City got revenge by beating United 7-6 on penalties in this season’s Community Shield.
- City’s penalty shoot-out win is their only victory against United in the last three games in all competitions.
