Manchester United and Manchester City will renew hostilities at Old Trafford in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.
It would be fair to say that the Manchester giants have been two of the top flight’s failure stories of the campaign so far.
Ruben Amorim’s hosts suffered their 13th Premier League defeat of the season at Nottingham Forest on Tuesday night, in a game that brought up my City Ground selection.
While the Red Devils will be prioritising a Europa League triumph, they will be keen to salvage some domestic pride by putting their local rivals to the sword on Sunday.
As for Man City, they are one of several sides currently embroiled in what is a fiercely competitive battle for Champions League qualification.
After booking an FA Cup semi-final spot last weekend, Pep Guardiola’s side made light work of relegation-threatened Leicester with a 2-0 win on Wednesday night.
How the bookies view it: Sky Blues set for bragging rights
Manchester City make the short trip across town as 11/10 favourites on Boylesports. Given that City have blown more cold than hot this season, backing the visitors to score two or more goals could be the smarter play to support at 5/6 (Boylesports).
Manchester United – who have lost five of their last eight Premier League home games – are 23/10 (Boylesports) outsiders while a share of the Old Trafford spoils is also deemed unlikely at 12/5 (Boylesports).
Head to head: Red Devils out to do the double
Having emerged from the Etihad victorious earlier this season, Manchester United are targeting a first league double over their rivals since the 2019-20 campaign.
Five of Man City’s nine Premier League victories at Old Trafford have come under the guidance of Pep Guardiola.
Players to watch: Marmoush to make his mark?
Omar Marmoush justified my faith in him to score against Leicester on Wednesday night. The Man City ace is an eye-catching 11/10 on PaddyPower to either strike or to provide an assist at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.
Manchester United will be hoping captain Bruno Fernandes can inspire them to victory on Sunday. The Portuguese playmaker has been priced up at 5/2 on Boylesports for an anytime strike during this all-Manchester showdown.
Predicted line-ups
Kobbie Mainoo could return from injury this weekend, however the hosts will be unable to call upon the services of injured quartet Ayden Heaven, Jonny Evans, Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw.
Erling Haaland has been ruled out for up to seven weeks after sustaining an ankle injury. The Norwegian goal-getter joins John Stones, Manuel Akanji, Nathan Ake and Rodri in the Man City medical room.
Manchester United: Onana; Mazraoui, Maguire, Yoro; Dalot, Ugarte, Fernandes, Dorgu; Mount, Garnacho; Hojlund
Manchester City: Ederson; Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O'Reilly; Gundogan, Gonzalez; Savinho, Grealish, Doku; Marmoush
Anything else catch the eye?
In a fixture where tempers could reach boiling point, Man City’s Nico Gonzalez merits consideration for a card at 10/3 on Boylesports.
The new City recruit has been booked in two of his last three Premier League outings, including last time out against Leicester.
In what promises to be an intensely contested midfield battleground on Sunday, Gonzalez stands out to tackle himself into trouble yet again.
This English Premier League match between Manchester United and Manchester City will be played on and kick off at 16:30. Check below for our tipsters best Manchester United vs Manchester City prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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