Manchester United vs Manchester City Betting Preview

H2H history

All time, Manchester United has the upper hand, but it’s been a much different story since City became a European powerhouse. The reigning champions have won four of the last five meetings. They beat United 2-1 in the FA Cup in June and won one of their two league clashes last term. The Red Devils did win their most recent clash with City at home, which should have them feeling slightly confident here.

United finding their way

It hasn’t been a pretty campaign for Man United to this point. They have a 5-0-4 record and sit in eighth place in the Premier League table. Not exactly acceptable for a club of this stature. However, things are starting to trend in the right direction. Erik ten Hag’s side is unbeaten in three games, notching wins over Brentford, Sheffield, and Copenhagen in the Champions League, conceding just twice in that span and scoring five times.

Out of all people, Harry Maguire was the hero on Tuesday in Europe, bagging the winner in the 72nd minute. Andre Onana then redeemed himself after such a brutal start to his United career when he saved a penalty at the death, leaving Old Trafford absolutely buzzing. This was actually a very even game though, with Copenhagen enjoying a plethora of chances.

The Red Devils are just five points off fourth place at the moment and although it’s early, a victory on Sunday would do wonders towards creeping closer to a Champions League spot for next season. Considering their current form, the side should be feeling hopeful about finding some type of result this weekend, even if it’s just a single point. They’re a big underdog at all online soccer betting sites.

Can City get back on track?

For a club like Man City, losing three games in four appearances is simply unacceptable. I mean, this is the same team who did just win the treble in 2022-23. That’s why there was certainly a bit of concern when they lost to Newcastle in the League Cup and then to Wolves and Arsenal in league action. City is back on track though, defeating a strong Brighton outfit on matchday nine. Julian Alvarez scored within the first seven minutes before none other than Erling Haaland doubled City’s lead shortly after.

The Norwegian is once again firing on all cylinders, hitting the back of the net nine times in the Premier League. Alvarez is also playing fantastic football with seven goals and four assists in all competitions. Jeremy Doku meanwhile has proven to be a wonderful signing for the Cityzens, bringing creativity to Pep Guardiola’s attack.

Despite a small bump in the road, City is still second in the standings and just two points behind Tottenham, who are somehow performing better without Harry Kane. It does feel like only a matter of time until Spurs finally lose or at least drop some more points therefore the Sky Blues must keep their foot on the gas pedal. A win here is absolutely crucial and most sportsbooks evidently believe that will happen, with the visitors sitting at -145 at Bodog.