In a game that is played for more than the 3 points, but rather for pride and glory, the two Manchester clubs will meet on Sunday. This fixture could have been a “title defining” one, unfortunately United’s latest form prevented it from happening. Nonetheless, this remains a derby and it shall be treated like on. This is the Manchester Derby – City Take On United!
Match Preview
Both teams enter this game on a back of some personal unbeaten runs. City extented their run to 28 games unbeaten now, following their win against Wolves. On the other hand, United have not lost in their last 20 league games away from Old Trafford, as they look to extend that record on Sunday. Which run will come to an end first? 14 points seperate these two, despite being the top two in the table. This is mainly due to City’s incredible form, winning games day in day out.
Manchester City
The Citizen’s unbeaten run stretched to a Club record equalling 28 games, as they eased to a comfortable 4-1 victory over Wolves on Tuesday. Despite Wolves hanging on to a 1-1 scorline until the 8th minute, however City’s dominance finally paid off which allowed them to score 3 goals in 10 minutes. This tells you a lot about their spirit, which is worthy of a champion. Can they keep the results coming?
In addition, City have not trailed at any point in their last 19 Premier League games, which equals the record Arsenal set between December 1998 and May 1999. In other word, United have a mountain to climb if they want to get a good result on Sunday. The win on Tuesday was their 15th consecutive Premier League win. Just to see how dominate this side is, take a look at their results last month. City completed another perfect month, winning all 6 Premier League games they played scoring 15 and conceding just 3. Meaning they are dominating every aspect of the game, pretty impressive no?
Manchester United
The other end of Manchester, United, are also on a run of their own. Although they seem a bit stuck at the moment, having drawn 4 of their last 5 games while failing to scoring in the previous 2 encounters. Chelsea and Crystal Palace held them to a 0-0 draw. Will that be a problem again for Ole? City have the best defensive record in the league, with just 17 goals conceded. That alone will make United’s supporters sweat as they think about it. With Dea Gea absence, Dean Henderson played a huge role to earn United the draw. Can he do that again in the derby?
So how will Ole approach the game? United have not lost in their last 20 league games away from Old Trafford, would he settle for a draw? Especially since Leicester are just 1 point behind them waiting for a slip up. Or will they go for the win? They can win three consecutive away matches at Man City in all competitions for the first time since 2000. But first, United must score to do that, something they have been struggling with lately. Also, Solskjær could become the first manager in Man Utd’s history to win each of his first three away meetings in all competitions with City. Would that be possible though considering their recent form?
Team News
Nathan Ake is available for selection again, which means Guardiola has a fully fit squad to choose from for the first time this season. It’s not like City need any more enforcement, but in case they did they have it.
The same cannot be said of Manchester United, who could be without up to six members of their squad. Anthony Martial, Donny van de Beek and Paul Pogba are all doubts after missing the midweek draw with Crystal Palace. In addition, Lindelof remain a doubt as he was an unused substitute, as he continues to manage an ongoing back injury. Phil Jones and Juan Mata are still unavailable and will miss the encounter. While David De Gea has returned to Spain for the birth of his first child, so Dean Henderson will start again on Sunday.
Prediction & Current Odds
the Manchester Derby – City Take On United! Bottom line is, this derby remains a big fixture despite the points difference on the table. Guardiola’s side are on a 21 match winning streak, but whilst United are coming off the back of three consecutive 0-0 draws, they have not lost away from home this season. Also, The Reds have won three of the previous six meetings. It might not be a “title defining” fixture, but it is a huge game for both clubs. We said it before and we’ll say it again. In derbies, statistics and form does not count as much as the pride and passion the players play with. We expect United to be well prepared for the game. However, in the end, City will prove to be too much and seal the win.
- Over 2.5 goals: 1.72
- Manchester City Win: 1.45
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