The Premier League title race may be as good as over but there are still the city’s bragging rights to play for as these two go head-to-head in the Manchester derby on Sunday afternoon (kick off 4.30pm).
Manchester United haven’t had a season they want to remember so far but they have had an upturn in league form over the past few weeks and currently sit in fifth.
With United in that position and the news that City have been banned from the Champions League for two years, this game has significant importance for both clubs.
City knew before the start of the current campaign that Liverpool would run them close for a shot at the title once again but not even the most pessimistic of City fans could have imagined the current standings – Pep Guardiola’s men sit 22 points behind Jurgen Klopp’s men with 11 games to go.
Guardiola’s main priority now is to target a first Champions League success for Manchester City but even if his side don’t win their appeal against their ban, they can make it harder for the Red Devils to get that spot.
It should be a mouthwatering clash between two of English football’s giants but who will come out on top?
Manchester United vs Manchester City Predictions
Both these sides enter this match in reasonable form. United have only lost one game in their past five and City have won three of their past four matches.
Some of United’s resurgence has coincided with the marquee signing of Portuguese midfielder Bruno Fernandes and he has taken the Premier League by storm so far.
He already has three goals from their past six games and is the midfielder United have been craving for many years.
City have a midfield maestro of their own in Kevin De Bruyne and he has been in sensational form once again this term.
This clash could certainly be won or lost in the engine room and with Utd having home advantage don’t expect De Bruyne and his teammates to have everything their own way.
A draw looks a sound bet with both sides in good form but don’t be surprised if there is a late winner in a game that always throws up plenty of surprises!
Manchester United vs Manchester City Betting Tps
- Bruno Fernandes first goalscorer – 17/2
- Number of goals first half – 2 goals – 47/20
- Correct score 2:2 – 13/1
Manchester United vs Manchester City Head to Head
- These two have played each other 53 times since 1993, with United winning 28 and City 18.
- The away team has won each of the past four games.
- City have won their last three matches away from home.
Manchester United Team News
Marcus Rashford and Paul Pogba are both out with long-term injuries so won’t be available to take part against their big rivals.
Rashford’s injury was previewed here before the away game to Chelsea and their main man upfront faces a race against time to be fit for Euro 2020.
Dan James is also a doubt after sustaining a knock against Club Brugge last week.
Another player who could miss the City game with injury is Aaron Wan-Bissaka who picked up a back problem in the 1-1 draw against Everton last time out.
Possible team: David De Gea, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Nemanja Matic, Scott McTominay, Fred, Bruno Fernandes, Anthony Martial, Mason Greenwood.
Manchester City Team News
Belgian playmaker De Bruyne is a doubt to play this Sunday owing to a back injury he picked up in their Carabao Cup final win over Aston Villa on Sunday.
The problem doesn’t look too serious but it would be a blow if he were to miss such a crunch encounter.
Kyle Walker was rested for the midweek FA Cup win over Sheffield Wednesday but is expected to return this weekend.
Defender Aymeric Laporte is out with a hamstring injury but isn’t too far away from rejoining the squad and resuming full training.
Other than that, Guardiola has full squad to choose from as his side make the short trip across Manchester.
Possible team: Ederson, Kyle Walker, Fernandinho, John Stones, Bernard Mendy, Ilkay Gundogan, Rodri Hernandez, Kevin De Bruyne, Riyad Mahrez, Sergio Aguero, Raheem Sterling.
