Verdict: Omar Marmoush over 0.5 shots on target
Best Odds: 1/2
Bookmaker: Luckster
With all eyes falling on Old Trafford this weekend, Manchester United and Manchester City will meet on Sunday afternoon for what is a heavyweight Premier League showdown.
Manchester United
Starting with the hosts, while Manchester United might have booked their Europa League quarter-final ticket last month as they collected a 5-2 aggregate win against Spanish outfit Real Sociedad, the Red Devils have endured a public domestic struggle this season. Although there might have been plenty of excitement around Old Trafford back in November following Ruben Amorim’s arrival, the former Sporting Lisbon boss has failed to offer any real stability. Marking their return from March’s international break with a 1-0 loss away at Nottingham Forest, United find themselves firmly sat in the bottom-half of the table. Failing to secure back-to-back Premier League wins so far this season, United have won won just a pair of their last seven top-flight appearances. Likewise, Amorim’s camp have registered just two Premier League victories at Old Trafford since the start of December.
Manchester United Team News
All still dealing with respective long-term injury issues, Manchester United will once again be without the likes of Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw and veteran defender Johnny Evans. While Amad Diallo might have his sights set on featuring before the end of the season, the former Sunderland loanee remains on the sidelines.
Making a late cameo appearance off the bench against Nottingham Forest in midweek, England international Harry Maguire could make a full return at the heart of Amorim’s defence. Former Chelsea star Mason Mount could make a first Premier League start of 2025.
Manchester City
As for the visitors, while Manchester City might have endured their own public struggle this season, Pep Guardiola’s men have turned somewhat of a corner on either side of March’s international break. Last seen earlier in the week collecting a routine 2-0 victory against Leicester, the Sky Blues have suffered just a single defeat from any of their previous six appearances across all competitions. Extending on their FA Cup adventure last weekend and booking their semi-final spot thanks to a 2-1 win away at Bournemouth, City simply have their sights set on securing an essential Champions League ticket in 2025. Although Guardiola’s camp might be smelling a real opportunity against their arch-rivals here, they will be concerned by their most recent meeting. Suffering what was an infamous collapse at the Etihad on December 15th as they fell to a 2-1 loss, City will know the importance of claiming some immediate revenge on Sunday afternoon.
Manchester City Team News
In what is a major blow, Manchester City have confirmed that the record-breaking Erling Haaland could miss the remainder of the season with an ankle injury. Likewise, Guardiola will once again be unable to call upon the likes of John Stones, Nathan Ake and Swiss defender Manuel Akanji.
Finding the net in each of his three domestic appearances on either side of March’s international break, January recruit Omar Marmoush will spearhead City’s attack. Making a first appearance of the season against Leicester in midweek, Oscar Bobb will be hoping to get some more minutes under his belt.
Manchester United vs Manchester City Key Factors to Consider
- When Manchester United and Manchester City met for their reverse Premier League meeting on December 15th, the Red Devils snatched a sensational 2-1 victory at the Etihad.
- However, United have recorded just a pair of wins from any of their previous seven Premier League appearances.
- Man City have suffered just a single defeat from any of their last six matchups across all competitions.
- Egyptian international Omar Marmoush has found the net in each of his last three domestic appearances on either side of March’s international break.
- United have failed to record back-to-back Premier League victories so far this season.
Conclusion
Suffering an infamous collapse at the Etihad on December 15th, Manchester City will be desperate to claim some immediate revenge here. Appearing to have turned somewhat of a corner on either side of March’s international break, Guardiola’s camp should be relishing a trip to Old Trafford this weekend. Looking to find a route back into the Champions League spots, the soon-to-be former champions will be looking to cash in on a United squad who find themselves at the heart of a public crisis.
Verdict: Omar Marmoush over 0.5 shots on target
Best Odds: 1/2
Bookmaker: Luckster
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