Manchester United v Manchester City Tips: Red Devils could hand major boost to old foe
By Joe Crann
Man Utd v Man City Odds13 January 2023
Football fans of a certain age will remember when the most fiery encounter in English football was Manchester United against Arsenal – things have changed a bit since then.
United aren’t the force they once were and, while they have downgraded in numerous positions over the years, they have had to witness the rise of bitter rivals Manchester City, who have turned into a domestic powerhouse with Pep Guardiola at the helm.
In response, the Red Devils have brought in a mastermind of their own. Dutchman Erik ten Hag was selected to spearhead them into a new era, but his first Manchester derby didn’t go well as the Cityzens ran riot in a 6-3 victory. Plenty has changed this then, and it’s actually the reds who enter into this match as the form team.
A United win would come as a welcome boost to their old foe - the table-topping Gunners - and it’s eminently possible given Guardiola’s side hasn’t looked invincible of late.
For a while it’s felt like there’s been a gulf between the two sides in Manchester, as the Sky Blues have consistently looked a cut above. However, this season has felt different.
Only four points separates United and City in the table before they face off in the derby, and the fact that it’s at Old Trafford provides hope that the champions may falter once again. Don’t forget, United have won their last four and not conceded in their last five home games. They will consider this a big opportunity to extend their streak.
City aren’t in bad form, by any stretch, but defeat to Brentford and a home draw against Everton suggests they can be beaten. It’s worth noting that Guardiola’s side has scored 12 goals in their last three meetings with United while conceding only four. They also haven’t lost back-to-back games since August 2021.
You can get an away victory at 1.89 but, with this fixture heaped in history and emotions set to play a role, it may be better to look at both teams to score (1.7) as the safer bet.
Erling Haaland hasn’t scored in his last two games, so he’s probably due one. The Norweigan hasn’t gone more than two matches without a goal in almost a year (March 2022, to be exact), so I’m keen to back him in the anytime goalscorer market at 1.9.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the city, Marcus Rashford is in truly spectacular form and odds of 3.35 to net shouldn’t be willingly overlooked given his return of late.
The midfield battle between Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, Kevin de Bruyne and Rodri should be fascinating – and could go a long way to dictating how the tie plays out.
In the last 31 matches between these two sides, which takes us back to the start of 2011, there have been just three 0-0 draws. While there have been over 2.5 goals scored (1.77) in 17 of those matches.
Given what happened back in October, United will want to keep it tight at the back. But, as we have seen so many times before, if City turn it on there isn’t much stopping them.
Both teams to score YES @ 1.7
Erling Haaland anytime goalscorer @ 1.9