THE Premier League title race has sparked back into life in recent weeks and Manchester City know there is little margin for error as they prepare to host Manchester United in an intriguing derby.
It looked like the champions would ease towards another crown when Pep Guardiola's men rattled off 12 successive league wins, a run that started with a 2-0 triumph at Old Trafford.
But they have since shipped five points to Southampton and Spurs to open the door for Liverpool again, with the sides set to face off at the Etihad next month in what could be a title decider.
Manchester City extended their lead to six points last weekend while the Reds were winning the Carabao Cup but Guardiola's side needed a hugely controversial VAR call to avoid dropping more points at Everton.
They aren't looking as slick as they were earlier in the season and City now face a Manchester United side desperate for points in their bid for a top-four finish.
Ralph Rangnick's side have lost just two of their last 20 games but continue to look far from convincing. They drew a blank at home to lowly Watford last time out and Cristiano Ronaldo is cutting an increasingly frustrated figure.
The derby often brought the best out of United during Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's days as boss but it's hard to shake the suspicion that they will need City to have an off-day to stand any chance of avoiding defeat.
How the bookies view it
Manchester United will rarely have gone into any match as 8/1 outsiders but that's the price set for a derby victory here at SBK. Manchester City's best price is a measly 2/5 with the same firm while the stalemate pays 17/4 at Betway.
Recent head to head
Manchester City coasted to a 2-0 derby win at Old Trafford last time out (below) and our man Mark cashed in by backing them to be winning at half-time and full-time.
But it was closer last season, with the three meetings across league and cup games producing a win apiece and a draw, including a 2-0 Manchester United victory at the Etihad.
The Red Devils have actually won on their last three visits to City's home and Rangnick will be hoping they can rise to the occasion again.
Man City dominate Manchester derby! | Man Utd 0-2 Man City | Premier League Highlights – YouTube
Players to watch
Guardiola's decision to play without a recognised centre-forward this season has seen the goals spread around so it's hard to predict who will be Manchester City's biggest goal threat.
But Phil Foden has been in good form of late, netting three times in his last five games, and looks decent value at 9/5 with SBK for anytime scorer.
Rangnick is having to rely on Cristiano Ronaldo more than ever due to Edinson Cavani's injuries and Mason Greenwood's off-field problems. His powers are definitely on the wane but Ronaldo often rises to the big occasion and is rarely as big as the 56/19 VBet are offering on him for anytime scorer.
Anything else catch the eye?
Despite their fine record at the Etihad in recent seasons, Manchester United remain a long way behind their noisy neighbours and City should win comfortably if they hit top gear. So I'm going to revisit Mark's bet of the champions to be winning at half-time and full-time, which pays 11/10 at Bet365.
Rangnick has been pretty pragmatic since replacing Solskjaer so I'd expect United to sit back and try to frustrate. That could lead to a lot of corners for Manchester City and over 7.5 corners for the champions pays 4/5 at Bet365.
Backing bookings for Manchester United players could also be a wise move as they will try to disrupt City's flow. Scott McTominay appeals at 2/1 with BetVictor if he recovers from illness to start while Bruno Fernandes might be a better option at 11/5 at Unibet for an eighth card this term.
This English Premier League match between Manchester City and Manchester United will be played on Mar 6, 2022 and kick off at 16:30. Check below for our tipsters best Manchester City vs Manchester United prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
Manchester city won clean sheet
Would have been a clean sheet had United played as badly in the first half as they did in the second. I’m just annoyed the ref let Fernandes off with a bad tackle