Manchester United stunned Manchester City in the reverse fixture, coming from two goals down to win at the Etihad Stadium and compound their rivals’ woes.
City are still far from their best, but they have improved since that derby-day defeat. Can they win at Old Trafford, or will United complete the double?
Man Utd vs Man City best bets
- Manchester City to win – 21/20 with Parimatch
- Manchester City to score over 1.5 goals – 4/5 with Betfred
- Omar Marmoush to score any time – 13/8 with Paddy Power
Man Utd vs Man City odds
Find the latest match odds for Manchester United versus Manchester City. All odds are provided by our best football betting sites. Odds are subject to change.
Manchester United vs Manchester City predictions
Manchester City have encountered a few false dawns already this season, but there are signs that they may have started to turn a corner.
Last weekend’s victory over Bournemouth in the FA Cup was fully deserved. City are the favourites to win that competition ahead of a semi-final against Nottingham Forest at the end of the month.
Meanwhile a 2-0 success against Leicester City on Wednesday kept City in a strong position in the fight for Champions League qualification, for which a top-five finish will be sufficient this term. Their lead over sixth spot remains slender, but the bookies rate City at odds-on to finish fourth.
An FA Cup triumph and Champions League qualification would make this a decent season for Pep Guardiola’s side, even if City had their sights set considerably higher before a ball had been kicked.
There is clearly still room for improvement, but City rank fifth in the league over the last 12 games. During that period they have accumulated 23 points, just two fewer than Arsenal in second. No one has scored more goals than their 27 over the last dozen matches.
As for Manchester United, the Europa League is the be-all and end-all for the rest of the campaign.
In the grand scheme of things, it does not really matter if United finish ninth or 13th in the Premier League. The Europa League offers the chance not only of a trophy, but of Champions League qualification too. Better to win that tournament and finish in the bottom half domestically than vice versa.
Even so, the importance of the Manchester derby means United must take Sunday’s game seriously. Ruben Amorim knows that as well as anyone, even if Thursday’s meeting with Lyon is more pivotal overall.
United won the reverse fixture 2-1, as an Amad Diallo brace completed a remarkable comeback late on. City were left stunned that afternoon and they will be keen to get their revenge at Old Trafford.
Despite being inferior to their neighbours for over a decade, United have a reasonable record in recent editions of the derby. They have won three of the last seven – more than you would expect given City’s broader dominance.
Guardiola’s team are the favourites on Sunday, but Amorim will hope that his side can pull a big performance out of the bag.
Manchester United vs Manchester City betting tips
Manchester United and Manchester City are ready to renew hostilities at Old Trafford this weekend.
Manchester City to win
Although the Manchester derby has been pretty even in recent years, Old Trafford has generally been a happy hunting ground for Guardiola.
In seven Premier League matches in front of fans at Manchester United’s home ground, City have come out on top five times.
United have been poor in front of their own fans for much of the season. Just six of their 15 top-flight home games have produced a victory, while their opponents have won seven times.
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For one reason or another, United have struggled to get going on familiar soil. Only Southampton and Leicester City have been behind at half-time more often at home. If City were to take the lead, they would be massive favourites to triumph.
The champions remain below their best, but they have what it takes to collect maximum points at Old Trafford once again.
Go for Manchester City to win at 21/20 with Parimatch.
Their one positive result was a 4-1 win away at Ipswich in the Premier League on Matchday 26.
It’s hardly inspiring form, and it only points to a home win for Chelsea.
Back Man City to win at 21/20 with Parimatch
Manchester City to score over 1.5 goals
“We tried sometimes with the good opportunities but I think in the last cross, the last pass, the last assist [it] wasn’t there,” Amorim said after the loss to Nottingham Forest.
“We push the opponent to the last third. But in the end we had a lack of quality in the final third.”
It was another stark admission from a manager who has been nothing if not honest over the last few months. On Sunday, though, Manchester United could have more problems at the other end of the field.
For all their issues, Manchester City are the Premier League’s second-highest scorers this season. The victory over Leicester was the 17th time they have scored at least two goals in a game.
City can make it 18 against United on Sunday.
Back Manchester City to score over 1.5 goals at 4/5 with Betfred
Omar Marmoush to score any time
With Erling Haaland currently sidelined, Omar Marmoush has the opportunity to lead the Manchester City attack for at least a few weeks.
He was on target against Leicester after starting through the middle and will now be targeting a first derby goal.
Marmoush has certainly added another dimension to the City frontline following his move from Eintracht Frankfurt in the winter window.
The Egypt international can add to his tally for Guardiola’s team in the match that matters most to City supporters.
Choose Omar Marmoush to score any time at 13/8 with Paddy Power.
Back Omar Marmoush to score any time at 13/8 with Paddy Power
How to watch Manchester United vs Manchester City
- Location: Old Trafford, Manchester, England.
- Date and time: Sunday 6th April, 4.30pm.
- How to watch: Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League.
Read more about the 2024/25 football season
- Premier League winner predictions
- Premier League top scorer odds
- Premier League relegation odds
- Champions League winner odds
- Championship promotion odds
About the author
Greg Lea
Greg Lea is a freelance football writer from London. He predominantly covers the Premier League and has had work published by the Guardian, FourFourTwo, ESPN and others.
Follow Greg on X: @GregLeaFootball
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