With Manchester bragging rights up for grabs this weekend, all eyes from will fall on Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.
Ahead of a stacked schedule from across the continent, there are plenty of eye-catching betting promotions available.
Verdict: Bruno Fernandes over 0.5 shots on target
Best Odds: 17/20
Bookmaker: BetUS
Manchester United
Starting with the hosts, although Manchester United might have opened their Champions League return with a routine 4-0 victory against European debutants Sabah Baku on Thursday night, Michael Carrick’s men are searching for some crucial domestic stability. Getting proceedings underway with an infamous 2-0 loss away at Premier League newcomers Hull on August 22nd, the Red Devils have put just a single victory on the board from their first three attempts. Suffering last-gasp heartbreak away at Everton last weekend as they were eventually forced to settle for a thrilling 2-2 stalemate, United have also shown some concerning defensive issues. In fact, Carrick’s inconsistent squad have shipped a pair of goals in each of their first three Premier League showdowns. However, landing a stellar 2-0 victory when they welcomed their arch-rivals across Manchester back on January 17th, Sunday’s hosts have lost just one of their last four top-flight battles against their noisy neighbours.
Manchester United Team News
Still dealing with respective injury issues, Manchester United will once again be without the likes of Amad Diallo, Manuel Ugarte and Dutch international Matthijs de Ligt here. Likewise, despite completing a blockbuster summer switch to Old Trafford, new recruit Carlos Baleba is still recovering from a recent ankle injury.
Bagging a maiden Europa League strike in midweek and now registering five direct goal contributions in his previous three appearances across all competitions (four goals, one assist), talismanic skipper Bruno Fernandes will lead Carrick’s side out.
Manchester City
As for the visitors, while Manchester City might have bid an emotional farewell to Pep Guardiola back in May, the Sky Blues appear to be enjoying life under Enzo Maresca’s guidance. Despite their 3-0 Community Shield drumming against Arsenal in Cardiff on August 18th, the former Chelsea boss has seen his squad come roaring back in a dominant fashion. Getting their respective Champions League adventure underway with an eye-catching 2-0 victory away at Portuguese giants Porto on Tuesday night, Sunday’s guests should find the mood in their camp at a real high. In fact, opening this weekend’s fixtures currently sat at the top of the table, Maresca’s side are one of just two clubs who can boast a 100% start to proceedings. It’s also worth highlighting, City have not suffered a single Premier League defeat on their travels since that 2-0 loss at Old Trafford back in January.
Manchester City Team News
Still waiting to make a maiden appearance this season, Belgium international Jeremy Doku remains on the sidelines with a calf issue. However, despite missing out over the past week with a reported back injury, Manchester City are hopeful that academy graduate Nico O’Reilly will be able to make a timely return.
Bagging a match-winning brace in Portugal on Tuesday night and now notching five goals in his previous three appearances across all competitions, striking superstar Erling Haaland will spearhead City’s attack.
Manchester United vs Manchester City Key Factors to Consider
- When Manchester United last welcomed their arch-rivals to Old Trafford back on January 17th, Sunday’s hosts claimed a 2-0 victory.
- In fact, Man United have lost just one of their previous four Premier League showdowns against City.
- Alongside reigning Premier League champions Arsenal, Manchester City are one of just two clubs who can boast a 100% start to proceedings.
- Including a match-winning Champions League brace away at Porto on Tuesday, the record-breaking Erling Haaland has now notched five goals in his previous three appearances across all competitions.
- Manchester United have shipped a pair of goals in each of their opening three Premier League appearances.
Conclusion
Opening this weekend’s fixtures sat at the top of the Premier League table, Manchester City will be desperate to lay down an almighty title marker when they travel to Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon. However, falling to a 2-0 loss when they last travelled to their arch-rivals back on January 17th, City do hold a concerning recent record against the Sky Blues. Mustering just a sole win from any of their previous four Premier League meetings, they have also landed a single victory at Old Trafford since back in November 2021.
Verdict: Bruno Fernandes over 0.5 shots on target
Best Odds: 17/20
Bookmaker: BetUS
