Focus Fixture: City to triumph in Manchester derby goal-fest

We look ahead to the biggest game of the Premier League weekend, as the two Manchester clubs renew hostilities at Old Trafford.

The form

Both sides warmed up for the derby with victories in the Champions League in midweek. Manchester United were not entirely convincing in a 1-0 defeat of Copenhagen, relying on a last-gasp Andre Onana penalty save to get them over the line.

Manchester City were more comfortable in their 3-1 victory over Young Boys, a result which leaves them on the brink of securing a place in the knockout rounds. 

United have now won three on the bounce in all competitions for the first time in 2023/24, but Erik ten Hag will still be demanding more from his players. The Red Devils are still not playing well and that will have to change if they are to achieve their objectives this term.

As for City, back-to-back wins against Brighton & Hove Albion and Young Boys would appear to suggest they are over the blip that saw them lose to Wolverhampton Wanderers and Arsenal before the October international break.

The Runners and Riders

Manchester United will have to make do without Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, Amad Traore and Tyrell Malacia on Sunday. Jadon Sancho is still exiled from the squad, but Casemiro and Aaron Wan-Bissaka are in contention after injury. 

Phil Foden will need to be assessed by the Manchester City medical staff after Guardiola revealed he has a “little problem”. Manuel Akanji is suspended after his red card against Brighton, while Kevin De Bruyne remains sidelined with a hamstring issue.

What they said

“Old Trafford is another game,” Pep Guardiola said when asked about Sunday’s showdown after the Young Boys win. “United have a lot of confidence after the victory from yesterday. Of course it is always tough at Old Trafford but we have time to prepare and we are going to prepare as well as possible.” 

Meanwhile Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund has picked out his favourite memory from this fixture: “The bicycle kick from Wayne Rooney, of course! Everybody remembers that, don’t they?”

Bet Builder Tip

Manchester United have had some joy in the derby in recent years, despite performing worse than Manchester City more generally. Indeed, the last eight head-to-head clashes in the Premier League have featured more wins for United than for their crosstown rivals. 

Ten Hag’s team are not playing well right now, however, and it is hard to look past the champions this weekend. United should be able to score in front of their own fans, but avoiding defeat would be a big ask based on the two teams’ respective performances of late.

Recommended bet

Back Manchester City to win, both teams to score and over 2.5 goals at 5.28.