Prediction: Manchester City vs Manchester United

Verdict: Manchester City win & under 4.5 goals

Best Odds: 19/20

Bookmaker: Unibet

With all eyes from across the footballing world falling on the Etihad this weekend, Manchester City will host their bitter local rivals Manchester United on Sunday afternoon.

Manchester City

Starting with the hosts, while Manchester City might not have been at their best earlier once again in the week, Pep Guardiola’s men did manage to extend on their FA Cup adventure. Eventually claiming a 2-0 win away at Championship relegation scrappers Peterborough on Tuesday night, the Sky Blues will be desperate to find top gear when they return to the Etihad here. Last seen on Premier League duties claiming that controversial 1-0 win away at Everton, the former Bayern Munich boss is desperate for his side to prove that last month’s action-packed loss against Tottenham was just a minor blip. Knowing that they now face a real battle if they’re to claim another domestic crown this season, it should be noted that City have still lost just one of their previous 16 matchups across all formats, a run that stems back to December 7th. Laying down a Champions League marker a fortnight ago as they cruised their way to a 5-0 romp against Sporting Lisbon, Guardiola’s men should be smelling a chance here.

Team News

In what is a real blow for Manchester City this weekend, the Sky Blues have confirmed that central defender Ruben Dias could face up to six weeks out with a hamstring injury.

Likewise, the trio of Nathan Ake, Zack Steffen and Cole Palmer will also miss out here.

Manchester United

As for the visitors, while Manchester United might have managed to extend on their unbeaten run last weekend, it really was an afternoon to forget for Ralf Rangnick’s side. Eventually having to settle for a hugely disappointing 0-0 stalemate at home against leading relegation scrappers, the former RB Leipzig boss is desperate for his side to find some stability. Just about managing to snatch a 1-1 draw as they opened their Champions League knockout run away at Atletico Madrid last month, the Reds have won just a pair of their last seven outings across all formats. Crashing out of the FA Cup on February 4th thanks to a stunning penalties defeat against Championship side Middlesbrough, Sunday’s guests could be bracing themselves for another stern test here. It should be noted, when United welcomed their local rivals to Old Trafford for their reverse meeting at the start of November, City picked up a 2-0 victory.

Team News

Manchester United have confirmed that Edinson Cavani could make his return to Rangnick’s matchday squad here.

Likewise, appearing to have overcome a bug, midfielder Scott McTominay is set to make his return on Sunday afternoon.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides faced off at Old Trafford back on November 6th, Manchester City picked up a 2-0 victory.
• Likewise, despite that defeat against Spurs last month, City have lost just one of their previous 16 matchups across all formats, a run that stems back to December 7th.
• Manchester United have managed to win just one of their previous seven matchups across all formats.
• The Reds have seen each of their last six matchups away from Old Trafford finish with both teams finding the net.
• However, each of the last six meetings between Sunday’s opponents have finished with under 2.5 goals.

Conclusion

Managing to extend on their FA Cup run away at Championship relegation scrappers Peterborough in midweek, Manchester City will be desperate to lay down a real marker here. Hoping to prove that their action-packed defeat against Spurs last month was just a minor blip, United should be bracing themselves for a tough test on Sunday afternoon. Having to settle for a 0-0 stalemate against Watford at Old Trafford last time out, the Reds have managed to win just a pair of their last seven outings across all formats. With the Sky Blues picking up a 2-0 win when they faced off against their local rivals back in November, we’re backing a similar outcome here.

Verdict: Manchester City win & under 4.5 goals

Best Odds: 19/20

Bookmaker: Unibet