Ruben Amorim has already masterminded a shock victory over Manchester City this season and will be looking for a repeat when he leads his Manchester United side into a derby for the first time.
Just days after being confirmed as Erik ten Hag's successor, Amorim led Sporting Lisbon to an epic 4-1 victory over Pep Guardiola's side in the Champions League, a game that saw another bet builder land for Slips Tips.
That whipped United fans into a frenzy as they eagerly anticipated the hottest young coach in Europe waving a magic wand and turning the Red Devils into a major force again.
But Amorim inherited a squad full of flaws and it was always going to take time for him to get Manchester United ticking, with his first five games in all competitions producing just two victories.
United returned to winning ways on Thursday against Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League, with two bets landing for me, and now head into the derby looking to pile on the misery for City.
That shock loss to Sporting was part of a seven-game run without a win that saw Guardiola's side drop off the pace in both the Premier League and Champions League.
They got back on track with a win over Nottingham Forest but have failed to build on that, with a 2-2 draw at Crystal Palace followed by another European defeat on the road at Juventus in midweek.
How the bookies view it: Pep ready for revenge
Despite Amorim getting the upper hand on Guardiola with his Sporting side, BoyleSports make Manchester City their 4/7 hot favourites for this derby. Manchester United are 15/4 outsiders and the draw pays 10/3.
Recent head to head: Cup's half full for United
Ten Hag earned himself a stay of execution, albeit only a brief one, by leading Manchester United to a surprise victory over City in last season's FA Cup Final. The Premier League champions avenged that a little by beating their rivals on penalties in the Community Shield and City have won six of the last nine meetings in all competitions.
Players to watch: Erling loves the derby
Erling Haaland has relished the big derby stage and has already netted six times against United, including a hat-trick at the Etihad two seasons ago. He's just 4/6 for anytime scorer at BoylesSports but backing the Norwegian to break the deadlock pays 5/2. He's also a tempting 3/1 to score two or more goals, a bet that has landed twice for him in this fixture.
United winger Alejandro Garnacho has netted in the last two derbies and could get some joy against City's full-backs. The wonderkid is 3/1 at BoyleSports for anytime scorer and a whopping 7/1 with Bet365 for an assist.
Probable line-ups
Rico Lewis is suspended for Manchester City after his controversial red card at Crystal Palace. Oscar Bobb, John Stones and Rodri remain out while Nathan Ake and Manuel Akanji are doubts.
Manchester United's injury issues are easing up with only Luke Shaw and Johnny Evans missing through injury for the European game in midweek. Amorim will probably make a few changes after that Thursday night clash.
Manchester City: Ortega, Walker, Dias, Simpson-Pusey, Gvardiol, De Bruyne, Kovavic, B Silva, Savinho, Grealish, Haaland.
Manchester United: Onana, Yoro, De Ligt, Martinez, Dalot, Mainoo, Ugarte, Fernandes, Amad, Garnacho, Hojlund.
Anything else catch the eye?
Both these sides have looked dodgy in defence this season so it bodes well for an exciting derby. BTTS pays just 4/9 with BoyleSports but you can boost the odds to 21/20 with the same firm by adding on no draw. That means a victory for either side with BTTS pays out.
City have been great value for corners all season so I like over 11.5 flag kicks, which pays 21/20 at BoyleSports. The same price applies to over 7.5 City corners too.
Tackles often fly in during a derby so we could see a few cards. Kobbie Mainoo can often be a bit rash and the United midfielder is a tempting 11/5 at Bet365 to go into the book.
This English Premier League match between Manchester City and Manchester United will be played on Dec 15, 2024 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.
