The latest edition of one of English football’s biggest rivalries, Man United vs Man City, kicks off Saturday’s Premier League action. We’ve previewed the upcoming tie and picked out our best betting tips ahead of the Manchester derby.
To browse all the weekend’s sports betting markets, including NetBet’s Boosted Odds on the Manchester derby, head to NetBet Sport.
Man United vs Man City
Saturday 14th January, 12:30pm
Old Trafford, Manchester
Man United vs Man City Football Preview
After suffering back-to-back defeats in the opening two games of the season, there aren’t too many that would have predicted United to be within touching distance of City at the halfway mark. But as we head into matchday 18, a win for the Red Devils would take them within a point of their noisy neighbours.
However, this is more of a must-win for City. They are already five points adrift of league leaders Arsenal, who are showing no signs of dropping off. Pep Guardiola’s team make the short trip to Old Trafford with a strong recent record in this fixture. The 6-3 thrashing of their rivals earlier this season was a third consecutive derby day win and took their total to 10 goals scored in two meetings.
United have improved a lot since that visit to the Etihad, where two late Anthony Martial goals made the scoreline a little less embarrassing. In fact, United have accumulated more points than City in the previous 10 games (United’s 23 to City’s 22), a record that has been built from their home foundations.
Erik ten Hag’s side are on a run of nine straight home victories, which includes seven clean sheets. United have not lost at Old Trafford since September, but if anyone can break that streak, it’s City.
Man United vs Man City Football Odds
Man City head to Old Trafford strong 1.76 favourites, with United 4.20 underdogs despite their impressive home record. Both teams to score at 1.64 looks a solid selection given the attacking talent on display, as does over 3.5 goals at 2.72.
The league’s top scorer Erling Haaland (3.60) is leading the odds to open the scoring, with Marcus Rashford (9.60) United’s most likely given his current purple patch.
Manchester Derby Betting Tips
Man City win and over 2.5 goals – 2.53
Seven of United’s last nine games have seen over 2.5 goals, as well as six of City’s last nine. The previous two Manchester derbies have featured 14 goals, and there is every reason to believe we’re in for another goal-fest this weekend.
Both teams to score – 1.64
Just look at the talent on show. Haaland has 21 goals in 16 league games, Phil Foden has netted seven, Rashford has netted seven – they are two in-form attacks. This looks a good option to add to a combi bet.
Marcus Rashford anytime scorer – 4.50
Rashford is in the form of his career – he has scored in six successive games. He is United’s biggest threat in the transition, a tactic which Ten Hag is sure to utilise against a possession-dominant City side.
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