Man Utd vs Man City – Prediction

It’s perhaps the most anticipated Manchester Derby since their late season clash in the 2011-12 season. The Citizens emerged victorious back than and eventually went onto win their 1st ever league title courtesy of a superior goal difference over United. While the stakes on Saturday isn’t as high as 2011/12, both the teams will be looking for the win. Jose Mourinho vs Pep Guardiola is a battle that has been played out plenty of times but it will be their first one in the Premier League. This won’t be a high scoring game and will eventually end in a draw.

Verdict: (1-1) Draw

Fixture Overview

Gameweek 4

Man Utd vs Man City

Old Trafford, Manchester

09-09-2016, 1:30PM C.E.T

Betting Tips – Man Utd vs Man City

1. Outcome – Draw – 3.30 (888 Sport)

Betting on derbies is perhaps the most difficult task as a bettor. Even if one team looks considerably strong on paper, the weaker team can come roaring out of the gate and thump their opponents 4-0 or 5-0. The Manchester Derby pits two similarly strong teams against each other. Both the clubs have gotten off to a strong start and this may well end up being a goal-less draw. The odds are good enough and hence draw is our pick for this game. If you are looking for the odds for United or City, they are listed below.

Manchester United – 2.38 (Bet 365)

Manchester City – 3.50 (Paddypower)

2. Anytime Goalscorer – Zlatan Ibrahimovic – 2.80 (Paddypower)

The Swedish maestro has gotten off to a brilliant start to his life at United. Ibrahimovic has scored 4 goals till now and will be looking forward to face his former boss, Pep Guardiola. The two had a fall out at Barcelona with Zlatan even calling this former boss a spineless coward. Ibrahimovic looks a good bet and the odds on offer are worth backing him.

If you are looking for someone from City to grab a goal our money is on Nolito. The 29 year old has scored 3 goals in all competitions so far and will be looking to shine in place of a suspended Sergio Aguero. The odds on offer are good enough for the gamble – 4.00 (888 Sport).

3. Under 2.5 Goals – 1.82 (Marathon Bet)

We hope we’ll see some lots but with Mourinho involved it only unlikely. The Portuguese will be arriving at Old Trafford with two buses if not more and Under 2.5 looks a safe bet. A sure shot winner with decent odds.

All Odds courtesy of Oddschecker [1]

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Manchester United

Jose Mourinho has had a perfect start to his managerial tenure with Manchester United. After getting the better of Leicester in his first competitive game in charge (FA Community Shield), the Portuguese manager has guided the club to three straight wins in the league. While the 3-1 and 2-0 wins over Bournemouth and Southampton were achieved with relative ease, United had to depend on a injury time winner to get the better of Hull in their 3rd game.

The visit from their in town rivals will be Mourinho’s biggest test till date. Eric Bailly & Zlatan Ibrahimovic, players who were brought in this season have excelled so far. Henrikh Mkhitaryan, another of the club’s acquisition this summer is yet to start a game but did prove his worth with his cameo against Hull. Paul Pogba who made his second debut with the club against Southampton will he hoping to have a bigger impact on Saturday.

Mourinho’s arrival has certainly benefited the likes of Fellaini and Valencia both of whom have featured in all their games so far. The new additions of Ibrahimovic and Bailly along with Fellaini has given the club a physical edge over their opponents. United have won one and lost three of their last 5 Manchester Derbies at Old Trafford. Jose Mourinho is the first Manchester United manager to win his first four games in charge of the club.

Wayne Rooney has scored the most number of goals in Manchester Derbies – 11 Goals

Mkhitaryan and Luke Shaw remain doubtful for their clash on Saturday due to fitness concerns. While Antonio Valencia who picked up a knock on International duty with Ecuador is also likely to miss out.

Manchester United 2016-17 Betting Tips

Manchester City

Like Mourinho, it’s been perfect start for Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Even though the Citizens were lucky to pick up the three points against Sunderland in their opener, they’ve improved in their next two games against Stoke and West Ham. The Spanish manager has adapted well to the Premier League and will be looking forward to facing his old rival on Saturday. Guardiola has a superior head to head record against Mourinho winning 7 and losing just 3 of their previous 16 meetings.

Manchester City are set up in the same way under Guardiola as his former clubs Bayern Munich and Barcelona. Full backs Gael Clichy and Bacary Sagna are more up-field and as result are more involved in the build-up plays. Fernandinho has featured in a role similar to the ones handled by Xabi Alonso and Sergio Busquets at Bayern and Barca respectively. Perhaps Guardiola’s biggest achievement so far has been the turn around in form of Raheem Sterling.

The 21 year old who has been named as the Premier League’s player of the month of August, has been involved in 5 of their 9 league goals so far. With Sergio Aguero set to miss the clash against United with a suspension the onus will be on Nolito to step up into his shoes. The 29 year old was a surprise addition by Guardiola this summer but has proved himself with 3 goals in all competitions so far.

A win on Saturday will be City’s 50 win in a Manchester Derby

Vincent Kompany has returned to training but won’t be risked on Saturday. The game against United might see the debuts of Ilaky Gundogan, Leroy Sane and Claudio Bravo.

Manchester City 2016-17 Betting Tips

Past Meeting – Man Utd vs Man City

The last time these two teams met at Old Trafford, the game ended in a 0-0 draw. In the reverse fixture towards the end of last season United came as 1-0 winner thanks to 1st half goal from Marcus Rashford [2].

Where are they in the table

3rd – Manchester United – 3 games – 9 points – (+5 GD)

1st – Manchester City – 3 games – 9 points – (+6 GD)

External Resources

[1] Oddschecker.com, Oddschecker Home Page

[2] Skysports.com, Rashford hands United the win on his Manchester Derby Debut