Manchester United vs Manchester City predictions for Saturday’s Premier League derby fixture at Old Trafford. Local rivals United and City go head-to-head for points and bragging rights in the Manchester Derby. Read on for our free predictions and betting tips.
It’s make or break time for under-fire Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Saturday’s showpiece fixture against City at Old Trafford has the makings of a career-defining match for the Norwegian.
With three victories from four Premier League encounters with City and Pep Guardiola, Solskjaer has a fine record in the Manchester Derby, though the Red Devils currently look a shadow of the side that upset the odds against the Cityzens in recent skirmishes.
A run of just one win in five league fixtures has triggered a descent down the standings and with Raphael Varane’s hamstring injury in midweek compounding United’s already considerable defensive issues, Saturday’s game could make for grim viewing for the home crowd.
Manchester City fell to a shock 2-0 reverse at home to a rapidly-improving Crystal Palace last weekend – a result that left them five points behind the league’s early pace-setters, Chelsea.
The Cityzens rebounded and ambled to a 4-1 win over Club Brugge on Wednesday evening however, in a clash that saw the peripheral Raheem Sterling make a welcome return to the scoresheet.
Having watched United ship five and four goals to Liverpool (0-5) and Leicester (4-2) respectively in recent weeks, City’s marauding forwards will be out to do some real damage in Saturday’s derby and a convincing victory could push Ole Gunnar Solskjaer closer to an Old Trafford exit.
United’s 3-0 triumph over a poor Tottenham side last week bought Solskjaer some breathing room, though they looked back to their usual disjointed selves in midweek when they snatched a 2-2 draw at Atalanta.
Man City’s slick-passing style and ability to break lines could prove too potent a combination for a ragged-looking United to combat this week and we recommend backing the Cityzens to win with that in mind.
City have lost on just one of their last six visits to Old Trafford in all competitions and with the hosts in the midst of a poor run (one victory in five league tussles), siding with the visitors in sky blue could be a smart move.
Elsewhere, backing over 2.5 goals to hit the net could also be worth your time. United’s haphazard defending and ability to produce moments at the opposite end on a whim has produced three ore more goals in five of their last six fixtures and more excitement looks possible in Saturday’s Manchester Derby.
ℹ️ There’s an update regarding the injury @RaphaelVarane picked up on Tuesday night…#MUFC | #UCL
— Manchester United (@ManUtd)
Manchester United vs Manchester City team news
Manchester United team news
Paul Pogba is suspended for United, though the underperforming Frenchman probably wouldn’t have started. Raphael Varane is out with a hamstring injury and his absence is a big blow to United’s chances. If Victor Lindelof is available, expect Solskjaer to stick with his 3-5-2 formation with veteran duo Edinson Cavani and Cristiano Ronaldo up top.
Manchester City team news
Ferran Torres is out for City, while Aymeric Laporte is suspended following his sending off against Crystal Palace last week. Phil Foden should start following his excellent display and goal against Club Brugge in midweek. Raheem Sterling will likely remain on the bench, however.
Single: PendingPremier League12:30/6 novManchester United vs Manchester CityBet: Manchester City to Winto:50% players believe that this bet will win!Single: PendingPremier League12:30/6 novManchester United vs Manchester CityBet: Over 2.5 Goalsto:50% players believe that this bet will win!