Premier League: The Changing Face of the Manchester Derby

Manchester City vs Manchester United

For so long Manchester United were the regular Premier League pacesetters; consistent champions and the country’s undisputed number one team.

One of their victories in the Manchester derby even included the iconic goal described as the best in the history of the competition.

Fast forward just over a decade and that mantle has now well and truly been taken over by their city rivals.

Indeed, after clinching a second successive league title in the most dramatic of fashions in May, it is Manchester City who are now looking to equal United’s record of becoming the only club to win three successive Premier League titles.

This is the backdrop to Sunday’s clash at the Etihad Stadium, a clash which could tell us much about the direction in which both of Manchester’s finest are heading.

Talking Points

Let’s begin with the champions who are one point off the pace and cruised to victory at Wolves last time out.

One of the marksmen in that game was the league’s top scorer Erling Braut Haaland, a player who had scored more goals on his own than 13 of City’s 19 Premier League rivals before kick-off.

During the first six weeks of the new campaign, he has been every inch the success many predicted and it is emphatically clear that Pep Guardiola’s side have signed one of the best footballing talents for a generation.

It is in defence where the champions could have concerns this weekend.

Already without Aymeric Laporte, another centre back was ruled out earlier this week when John Stones sustained what is reported to be a pretty severe hamstring strain while on international duty for England.

That could mean Nathan Ake called into partner Ruben Dias at the heart of the City rearguard.

At this stage, it is unclear which of United’s array of attacking talent he could be facing.

Anthony Martial has been out of action for more than a month and is rated doubtful, while Marcus Rashford was also missing from their last encounter with a muscle injury, although could be ready to return following the international break he sat out.

Of course, there is also Cristiano Ronaldo who missed this fixture last season but could lead the line after doing just that and scoring his first of the campaign in the Europa League a fortnight ago.

This is actually United’s first league victory for virtually a month and we will know more team news when both managers, Guardiola and Erik ten Hag, speak to the media on Friday.

Whatever the personnel though, there remains talent aplenty in both ranks in a clash which has produced so many Premier League highlights over the years.

This certainly has all the ingredients to deliver more.

History

Last season the difference in class was embarrassing.

In November, an early own goal and a Bernardo Silva second in the opening 45 minutes sealed a 2-0 win for City in a contest that was far more comfortable than the scoreline suggested.

It proved to be Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s final home match in charge.

Four months later, with Ralf Rangnick in interim charge of the Red Devils, City ran out 4-1 winners, thanks to doubles from Kevin de Bruyne and Riyad Mahrez.

Jadon Sancho had briefly drawn United level.

This corresponding fixture in 2020/21 season saw United record a victory which was as impressive as it was unexpected – triggered by an opening minute goal from Bruno Fernandes and doubled early in the second half by Luke Shaw.

The earlier league season meeting was a derby stalemate at Old Trafford.

Arguably the one that mattered that season, however, was City’s success in the League Cup semi-finals.

United have the edge historically, winning 77 of their meetings compared to City’s 56 triumphs and 53 draws.

Betting Tip

The SBOTOP Premier League betting odds lean heavily towards the hosts.

Among the options for a City win are 1X2 @ 1.32 and Asian Handicap -1.75 @ 2.17.

United are well adrift in a way which would once have been unheard of and can be backed 1X2 @ 8.75 and Asian Handicap +1.50 @ 2.00.

Goalless draws are rare in Manchester derbies and that is reflected in odds of total goal 0-1 @ 5.80, 2-3 @ 2.22, 4-6 @ 2.40 and over 3.50 goals @ 2.20.

A repeat of last season’s 4-1 thrashing is on offer @ 14.00 with Correct Score.

The draw will pay out at an appealing @ 5.20.

It is hard to back against City in any game right now, although I think United will keep it fairly tight.

 

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