Manchester bragging rights will be on the line when Manchester United welcome Manchester City to Old Trafford for a blockbuster Premier League derby on Sunday.
ALSO READ: Why Enzo Fernandez Could Transform Manchester City’s New-Look Midfield.
The hosts have made an inconsistent start to Michael Carrick’s first full season in charge, collecting four points from their opening three league games. However, they head into the derby with confidence after thrashing Sabah FK 4-0 in the Champions League on Thursday.
City, meanwhile, have been perfect in the Premier League under Enzo Maresca. Three wins from three have taken them to the top of the table, and a 2-0 Champions League victory away to Porto extended their winning start to the competitive season.
With both Manchester giants beginning new eras under different managers, Sunday’s derby promises to provide an early indication of how far each side has progressed.
Betting Preview
Manchester United’s Premier League campaign began badly with a shock 2-0 defeat away to promoted Hull City. Carrick’s men responded by hammering Ipswich Town 5-2 at Old Trafford before surrendering a late lead in a 2-2 draw against Everton. They sit on four points with seven goals scored and six conceded.
Thursday’s Champions League performance provided a timely boost.
Matheus Cunha, Bruno Fernandes, Benjamin Sesko and Lisandro Martinez all scored as United swept Sabah aside 4-0. The calibre of opposition must be considered, but four different scorers and a first clean sheet of the competitive season were positives ahead of a considerably tougher assignment.
United certainly possess enough attacking talent to trouble City. Fernandes remains the creative heartbeat, while Cunha, Sesko and Bryan Mbeumo give Carrick different ways to hurt opponents.
City, however, have been the Premier League’s early pace-setters.
Maresca’s side opened with a 2-1 victory over Bournemouth before beating Crystal Palace 4-1 and Coventry City 1-0. That gives them nine points from nine, with seven goals scored and just two conceded.
Their excellent start continued in Europe on Tuesday as Erling Haaland scored twice in a 2-0 victory away to Porto. The Norwegian has now scored 59 goals in 59 Champions League appearances and remains the obvious danger man for United’s defence.
City’s new-look midfield is also beginning to settle. Enzo Fernandez has quickly become an important part of Maresca’s team, while Phil Foden and Rayan Cherki provide creativity around Haaland.
United’s biggest concern will be keeping that attack quiet. They’ve conceded six goals in three Premier League games, whereas City have already demonstrated their ability to control matches while carrying a major threat in the final third.
Still, this is the Manchester derby, and Old Trafford gives United a genuine chance of upsetting the early league leaders.
United’s six goals conceded in three Premier League games are particularly concerning when Haaland is waiting at the other end.
We’re backing City to edge an entertaining derby.
Recent Form & Stats
- Manchester United: One win, one draw and one defeat from their opening three Premier League games.
- United have scored seven goals and conceded six in the league.
- United beat Ipswich 5-2 before drawing 2-2 with Everton.
- Carrick’s side thrashed Sabah FK 4-0 in the Champions League on Thursday.
- Manchester City: Three wins from three in the Premier League.
- City have scored seven goals and conceded just two in those matches.
- Maresca’s men have beaten Bournemouth 2-1, Crystal Palace 4-1 and Coventry 1-0.
- City also beat Porto 2-0 away in the Champions League, with Haaland scoring both
Goals. - City have therefore won all four of their competitive matches this season.
Best Bets & Prediction
Prediction: Manchester City to win at 2.16.
Best Bet: Manchester City to win & both teams to score at 3.20.
Alternative Bet: Erling Haaland anytime goalscorer at 1.99.
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