Prediction: Manchester City vs Manchester United

Verdict: Manchester City win & Both teams to score

Best Odds: 29/20

Bookmaker: Unibet

In what looks set to be a blockbuster showdown on Sunday afternoon, Manchester City will welcome Manchester United to the Etihad.

Manchester City

Starting with the hosts, heading into the international break with a routine display as they breezed their way to a 3-0 romp away at Wolves, Manchester City are enjoying another domestic purple patch. Once again tipped as a standout pick to defend their Premier League crown this season, Pep Guardiola’s superstars will be looking to mark their return to action with another statement on Sunday afternoon. Likewise, getting their Champions League adventure off to a flying start with back-to-back victories against Sevilla and Borussia Dortmund, the one-time Barcelona boss also has a new attacking talisman enjoying a remarkable flurry. Once again finding the net away at Wolves a fortnight ago, Erling Haaland is in the midst of a record-breaking start to life at the Etihad. In fact, already notching 11 Premier League strikes from his opening 11 appearances, the 22-year-old appears to be storming his way to this season’s Golden Boot.

Team News

Featuring on Nations League duties with Belgium over the past fortnight, Kevin De Bruyne will likely be joined by Bernardo Silva and Rodri here.

However, limping off in England’s 3-3 draw against Germany earlier in the week, John Stones will miss out on Sunday afternoon. Summer arrival Manuel Akanji should partner Ruben Dias at the back.

Manchester United

As for the visitors, while Manchester United might have opened the 2022/23 campaign in the midst of a rather public struggle, it appears the former Premier League champions have put those issues behind them. Last seen back on September 15th when picking up a 2-0 victory away at Sheriff while on Europa League duties, Erik ten Hag has been filled with praise for his side’s recent boost. Continuing to skyrocket their way up the table and opening this weekend’s return sat just a single point adrift of breaking into the top-four, the former Ajax boss has seen his side win each of their previous four Premier League contests. With their domestic purple patch highlighted by a thumping 3-1 win at home against Arsenal, United will be desperate to spring an upset on Sunday afternoon. However, suffering a 4-1 loss when they last faced off against their local rivals back in March, the Reds will know they face a real task here.

Team News

Despite making back-to-back appearances for England over the past fortnight, Harry Maguire is likely to once again start among the substitutes on Sunday afternoon.

Likewise, although Cristiano Ronaldo might have found the net away at Sheriff last time out, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner is also likely to find himself out of ten Hag’s starting XI.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides last faced off back on March 6th, Manchester City picked up a 4-1 victory at the Etihad.
• Sunday’s hosts have lost just one of their last five meetings against Manchester United across all competitions.
• However, ten Hag’s side had won each of their previous four Premier League matchups before heading into the international break.
• Erling Haaland has already notched 11 Premier League strikes from his opening seven appearances.
• Manchester City are one of just two Premier League sides who are unbeaten in their first seven contests.

Conclusion

While Manchester United might have found a much-needed boost when heading into the international break, the Reds will know they face a huge task at the Etihad. Watching the defending champions enjoy an unbeaten start to the 2022/23 campaign, the Sky Blues will be looking to lay down another real marker on Sunday afternoon. Unbeaten in each of their opening seven Premier League outings and with their new attacking icon only continuing to break a string of records, City will also be boosted by their most recent showdown against this weekend’s guests. With Guardiola’s side picking up a 4-1 victory when they last faced off against their crosstown rivals back on March 6th, we’re backing what could be another enjoyable affair here.

Verdict: Manchester City win & Both teams to score

Best Odds: 29/20

Bookmaker: Unibet