Premier League
Manchester United v Manchester City: Big Match Preview
One of the biggest fixtures on the English football calendar takes place this coming weekend as Manchester United host cross-city rivals Manchester City at Old Trafford.
Football Writer, Racing Tipster
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Stephen WelchBig Match SpecialManchester United v Manchester City
Kick Off
Sunday 13 September at 16:30
Ground
Old Trafford, Manchester
TV Channel
Sky Sports Main Event
Competition
Premier League
The first Manchester derby of the season kicks off at 16:30 on Sunday 13th September with live televised coverage set to be broadcast on Sky Sport Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Ultra HDR. Ahead of what is often one of the most entertaining contests of the season, our football betting experts offer exclusive betting tips, match insights and odds.
Manchester City head to the Theatre of Dreams boasting a perfect three wins from three Premier League games under Enzo Maresca but this is undoubtedly the biggest test of his Manchester City career to date. Whilst Manchester City top the table with nine points from three matches, Manchester United have stuttered somewhat, dropping points against both Hull City (0-2) and Everton (2-2) either side of a 5-2 win over Ipswich Town. The Red Devils sit in 11th position with four points from three matches. Both Manchester clubs were in Champions League action in midweek. Manchester United eased to a 4-0 win over Azerbaijani debutants Sabah on Thursday evening whilst Manchester City won 2-0 away to Porto.
Manchester United have a solid recent record against Manchester City, losing just one of their last four league meetings at Sunday’s opponents. Michael Carrick’s side won 2-0 in this corresponding fixture last season thanks to second half goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu.
Erling Haaland at 7/4
First goalscorer
Erling Haaland is the obvious goal scorer pick for the visitors. The Manchester City centre forward is in red-hot form, netting five goals in his side’s last three matches including both goals in Tuesday’s win at Porto as well as the only goal in last Saturday’s 1-0 win over Coventry City. Haaland has scored eight goals in seven Premier League matches against Manchester United but whilst he looks a little short in the anytime scorer market, he is certainly worth backing to score first.
Manchester United 2-3 Manchester City at 18/1
Correct Score
The away side have failed to score in any of the last three Manchester derbies but we fully expect that run to come to an end on Sunday. Manchester United have conceded two goals in each of their three league games this season and a high-scoring contest could be on the cards at Old Trafford. Both teams have scored in Manchester United’s last seven home league games and whilst we expect Manchester City to extend their 100% record, this will be a typically right Manchester derby. Manchester City to win 3-2 looks overpriced and is our correct score prediction.
Phil Foden at 8/1
Anytime scorer
Having struggled for game time last season, Phil Foden has featured in all five of Manchester City’s games so far this term. starting four of those five matches. Foden’s superb record against Manchester United makes him an appealing alternative to Haaland in the game’s goal scorer markets. Phil Foden has scored seven times in the last eight Manchester derbies and if he starts on Sunday, he is worth consideration to score at any time.
Elliott Anderson - Over 3.5 at 5/1
Player fouls
Elliott Anderson is likely to be in the thick of the action in what will be his first Manchester derby. Manchester City’s big-money signing ranks first amongst players from either of these sides for both fouls won (6 fouls won at 2.3 fouls won per 90 minutes) and fouls committed (4 fouls committed at 1.5 fouls committed per 90 minutes). Anderson is the standout pick in Sunday’s disciplinary markets. Backing Anderson to be carded offers excellent value whilst we’d also consider Anderson to register over 4.5 foul involvements.
Luke Shaw at 2/1
Player card
Luke Shaw has come under real pressure in the opening few weeks of the season. Manchester United’s longest-serving player has struggled for form but remains the Red Devils’ only senior left-back. Shaw sat out Thursday’s Champions League tie but should come back into the starting XI on Sunday. Luke Shaw picked up nine yellow cards in the Premier League last season, more than any other player from Manchester United or Manchester City. Against Manchester City’s talented forward line, Shaw may be vulnerable and looks a good bet in the match’s card markets.
Verdict
Manchester City are fancied to take the derby at 11/10, with Erling Haaland the standout first goalscorer pick at 7/4. For bigger prices, Phil Foden appeals anytime at 8/1, while a 3 to 2 City win at 18/1 fits the view that this could open up. Elliott Anderson over 3.5 fouls and Luke Shaw to be carded complete the card.