Big Game Focus: Manchester United v Manchester City

 

United and City meet on Sunday at Old Trafford in what will be their fourth meeting this season. In the three times they have met already, the away side has taken the win each time. However, with United in impressive form, this should be an intriguing encounter. Here’s the Big Game Focus. Bet on the game here. 

The Red Devils made it nine games unbeaten with a comfortable 3-0 win over Derby County in the FA Cup on Thursday. On top of that, they are just three points adrift of the top four, and a victory on Sunday could significantly boost their chances. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side are still unpredictable but already look a far better side since the acquisition of Bruno Fernandes in January.

City go into this encounter fresh from winning the Carabao Cup for the third consecutive time. With the Premier League title gone and a place in the Champions League in the next two seasons chalked off, they are hoping to finish the season on a high. They have the upper hand on Sunday at a ground they have won for the last three visits. Can they end United’s unbeaten run?

Betting preview

Manchester City have beaten their bitter rivals at Old Trafford in their last three visits. The hosts have not won against City at home since 2016’s 1-0 win in the League Cup. In this fixture, home side has won a league match just twice in the last ten meetings. United have not beaten City in the league since winning 4-2 in April 2015. You can back a Manchester City Win at odds of 1.55. 

Both teams have found the net in five of the last seven meetings between these two. Both teams have scored in three of City’s last five away games. Therefore, you can back Both Teams to Score at odds of 1.65. 

Five of the last seven meetings between these two have seen three or more goals scored. Three of United’s last five matches and two of City’s last three in all competitions have seen at least three goals scored. You can back Over 2.5 Goals in this game at odds of 1.60. 

Team news

Paul Pogba and Marcus Rashford are both ruled out. Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Daniel James missed out against Derby through injury but are both expected to be fit to feature here. Harry Maguire rolled his ankle in midweek and is a doubt for the derby, though it would be a surprise if he missed out.

Pep Guardiola revealed Kevin De Bruyne is a serious doubt for Sunday’s game with a shoulder injury. With Aymeric Laporte already ruled out, De Bruyne’s absence would be another hammer blow for the away side.

Possible line-ups

Man United: De Gea, Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Maguire, Shaw, Fred, Matic, McTominay, Fernandes, Greenwood, Martial

Man City: Ederson, Walker, Fernandinho, Otamendi, Mendy, Rodrigo, Bernardo, Silva, Sterling, Mahrez, Aguero