Premier League: This Manchester Face-Off Has Bite

Manchester United vs Manchester City

Premier League: Manchester United vs Manchester City is always one of the dates we look forward to, and this Sunday the world will be watching when the champions head to Old Trafford in search of three vital points.

Both managers, United’s Erik Ten Hag and City’s Pep Guardiola, have had plenty to worry about in recent weeks as the Red Devils have started their campaign in underwhelming form, while the Sky Blues have uncharacteristically lost two league games very recently.

The Manchester Derby has thrown up some dramatic action over the years, and there is no love lost between the fans.

The blue half of Manchester sat in the shadows of their neighbours for two decades when Sir Alex Ferguson ruled the city, but over the past ten years, it has been the Reds who have had to sit by while their rivals have picked up six league titles, two FA Cups, and a Champions League.

The home fans need cheering up, and they would dearly love to put one over their annoying neighbours, but the Premier League 2023 betting odds say they will be disappointed again.       

Talking Points

Can United continue their mini-revival?

Whisper it quietly, but Manchester United have just won three games in a row, two narrow victories in the league over Brentford and Sheffield United and the Red Devils won 1-0 at home to FC Copenhagen on Tuesday night to pick up their first points in the Champions League.

And at the ground there was an emotional tribute to the recently passed Sir Bobby Charlton, immortalised as one of the Holy Trinity at Old Trafford of Best, Law and Charlton.

These are different times at the Theatre of Dreams, and this current side cannot compare to the great team of the 1960s or Ferguson’s serial winners. The league has moved on, and the top sides have world-class players from 1 to 11.

But the Red Devils seem to lack the spark to ignite their play. That defensive midfielder and squad player Scott McTominay is top-scoring with three goals speaks volumes, while it took a late goal from out-of-favour of centre-back Harry Maguire to beat Copenhagen on Tuesday.

With centre back Lisandro Martinez out injured Maguire may get another start on Sunday, but that could make it a nervy afternoon for United fans, and their under-pressure keeper Andre Onana, who had to make a late penalty save to protect United’s win over the Danes.

Captain Bruno Fernandes needs one of his inspirational performances to give the Red Devils hope.

City aiming to get back on track

The Sky Blues were wounded when they met Brighton and Hove Albion last week, coming on the back of two Premier League losses, a shock reversal against Wolves and then another surprising defeat to Arsenal.

They responded well with a battling 2-1 win over the Seagulls, thanks to goals from Erling Braut Haaland and Julian Alvarez, while utility man Manuel Akanji was sent off.

Haaland has already made it nine goals for the campaign, and he could have scored twice that number. We were in for some wastefulness and bad luck in front of goal, while Julian Alvarez, with four goals and three assists, is getting better week by week. Those two are likely to start with the exciting Jeremy Doku, who is also set to play a part.

With Akanji suspended, Nathan Ake and Ruben Dias will likely start as the centre-back pairing against United, with either Rodri or John Stones sitting in front. This is a team that is still missing the influential Kevin de Bruyne, and Guardiola will be keen to ensure they get back on a winning streak without delay.

History

The Red Devils still lead the head-to-head against City in the Premier League era by 31 victories to 23 in all competitions, and there have been just eight draws.

But the Sky Blues have won four of the last five meetings, including the FA Cup final as part of their historic 2023 treble.

So the Premier League 2023 results between these two rivals are sure to headline football news everywhere.

In terms of recent form United have won four and lost two of their last six games, while City have three wins and three defeats, though the Sky Blues are away to Young Boys in their Champions League clash on Wednesday.

Betting Tip

At SBOTOP odds of 4.16 to win this is a long shot for the Red Devils, and even the draw at 3.40 would be a good result for the hosts.

Manchester City are at a short price of 1.69 to win and I suspect the gulf in class between the two teams will show as the Sky Blues aim to get their title defence back on track.

 

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