Ace Football previews the Premier League match between Manchester United and Manchester City, and offers betting tips, odds, line-ups, and team news.
The 183rd Manchester derby takes place at Old Trafford on Saturday evening in what could be a season-defining moment for either club.
Just one point is all that separates seventh-place Manchester United from Manchester City in eighth. Considering both sides have at least a game in hand over the teams above them in the standings, and the closeness of this season’s Premier League, the victor could enter the title race itself.
This will be the fourth meeting between United and City in 2020, having met twice in the Carabao Cup and once in the Premier League. The hosts made it two wins out of three (L1) in March by beating Pep Guardiola’s men 2-0 at Old Trafford.
But while this record demands respect, could their woeful home form this season be their undoing? It’s impossible to ignore this fact, but derbies usually bring out the best of players.
Manchester United Form & Stats
If anyone has a point to prove this weekend, it’s Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The United boss is under the spotlight again following the club’s 3-2 midweek defeat to RB Leipzig, which condemned them to a Champions League group-stage exit.
It’s a less than ideal start for the Manchester derby, which Solskjaer simply cannot afford to lose now. Even a draw would be of some consolation, as United would remain ahead of City in the standings. A victory, however, could prove to be a season-defining moment and would ease the pressure on their manager.
The Red Devils’ home form is a concern though, having lost three of their five league games (W1 D1) at Old Trafford. They also tend to not make strong starts and have conceded the first goal in seven of their 10 league games.
Although United have scored at least one goal in their last eight games in all competitions and Solskjaer often springs a result for the big matches.
Key Team Stats
- Won their last four league games.
- Lost three of their five home league games this season (W1 D1).
- Three or more goals in each of their last five games in all competitions.
- Conceded the first goal in seven of their 10 league games.
- At least one penalty has been awarded in five of their 10 league games this season.
Manchester City Form & Stats
The Citizens have collected four wins in their last five games (D1) in all competitions, suggesting they’ve rediscovered the consistency that was missing earlier this season. The trip to the Theatre of Dreams will reveal all.
City have performed well at Old Trafford, having won three of their last four visits (L1) in the league. They’ve only lost once on the road this season (W2 D2) as well to amass eight points from a possible 15.
Unlike United this season, Guardiola’s men usually embark on a strong start to games. They’ve taken the lead in seven of their 10 league games, taking an average of 21 minutes to score their first goal.
City have also won six of their last 10 away games in all competitions (D3 L1) and Kevin De Bruyne, in particular, seems active in attack. The Belgian may only have two league goals to his name, but his 33 shots this term is the league’s fifth-best record.
Key Team Stats
- Unbeaten in their last five games in all competitions (W4 D1).
- Lost just one of their last 10 away games in all competitions (D3 L1).
- Less than three goals scored in each of their four away league games.
- Exactly two goals in five of their 10 league games this season.
- Kept a clean sheet in their last five games in all competitions.
- Rodrigo has completed the most passes in the league this season (815).
Team News
Manchester United: Edinson Cavani (doubt).
Manchester City: Oleksandr Zinchenko, Eric Garcia (out).
Predicted Line-ups
(Note: The image will change to the official XI once they’re both announced)
Top Goalscorers in Recent Games
Head-To-Head Record
Below are some head-to-head stats on each team’s recent form in the Premier League.
Match Facts
Betting Tips
More Odds
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