One of the most intriguing Manchester derbies in recent times takes place this weekend.
For the first time in years, Manchester City look a distinctly average side and that will surely give confidence to Ruben Amorim’s new-look Manchester United team.
A statement win at the Etihad would be the perfect way for the Portuguese manager to announce himself in English football.
But he will know to be wary of Pep Guardiola’s wounded outfit.
NetBet previews the enticing fixture, providing the latest football odds for your weekend online betting.
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Manchester City vs Manchester United
Sunday, December 15, 4.30pm
Etihad Stadium, Manchester
Live on Sky Sports
Manchester City vs Manchester United Preview
After years of dominance, including four consecutive Premier League titles and a Treble, it feels weird seeing City struggle like mere mortals.
Guardiola’s men have won only one of their last 10 (yes, TEN!) fixtures across all competitions and were beaten 2-0 by Juventus in the Champions League on Wednesday evening.
Without Ballon d’Or winner Rodri anchoring the midfield, City look beatable. Actually, scratch that, they look a complete mess defensively, with captain Kyle Walker enduring his toughest time at the club and Ilkay Gundogan seemingly a shadow of the player he once was.
The Citizens’ recent downfall, aided by an ongoing injury crisis, will only serve to give United additional confidence following their 2-1 comeback victory at Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League.
Amorim needed a response from his players after a damaging 3-2 defeat to Nottingham Forest last weekend and he got it to some degree, albeit with another Andre Onana howler thrown in.
The goalkeeper and the defenders in front of him are clearly still adjusting to Amorim’s tactics and philosophy, which could really play into City’s hands.
If United take risks playing out from the back and players are not in position to fulfil the manager’s desires, the hosts may have a field day.
Lest we forget, Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne are still two of the most devastating footballers on the planet, with each of them starring against the Red Devils in past fixtures.
Last season in this match, City bounced back from a Marcus Rashford opener to record a vital 3-1 win on their way to the title.
Manchester City vs Manchester United Odds
*All odds are subject to change
Despite their horrendous form of late, City still open as convincing favourites at odds of 1.57. United are priced at 4.90, while the draw is 4.50.
Haaland is, of course, the favourite in the first scorer market at 3.58, followed by Phil Foden (7.30), Joshua Zirkzee (8.70) and Rasmus Hojlund (9.30).
Manchester City vs Manchester United Betting Tips
Kevin De Bruyne to score anytime @ 3.75
Belgian star De Bruyne finally looks back to full fitness and he has an impressive record in big Premier League fixtures. He also scored in City’s recent 3-0 win over Forest.
Over 1.5 goals in the first half @ 2.15
City will see this fixture as the perfect way to remind the world of their quality, so expect them to come flying out the traps. This could also leave space for United to exploit early on, paving the way for a goal-filled first half.
Over 4.5 yellow cards in the match @ 1.95
Manchester derbies are always fiery fixtures and with so much on the line this Sunday, expect the Etihad encounter to be no different.
Manchester City Team News
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Ederson, Walker, Dias, Simpson-Pusey, Gvardiol, Gundogan, Kovacic, Bernardo, De Bruyne, Foden, Haaland
Injuries/Doubts: Rodri, Bobb, Stones, Akanji, Ake
Suspensions: Lewis
Manchester United Team News
Predicted XI (3-4-3): Onana, Mazraoui, De Ligt, Martinez, Amad, Ugarte, Fernandes, Dalot, Mount, Hojlund, Rashford
Injuries/Doubts: Evans, Shaw
Suspensions: None
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