Prediction and odds for the game: Manchester United (4/1) v Manchester City (8/13)
We are backing the draw at odds of 10/3
When: Sunday 08th March 2020, Kick-off 4:30 PM
Where: Old Trafford
On Sunday afternoon, Manchester United and Manchester City go head-to-head in a derby game that could have big implications on the home sides quest for Champions League football for next season.
Manchester United
The Red Devils are on a steady run of form of late, as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team are now unbeaten in nine matches in all competitions. Last time out, United booked their place in the last eight of the FA Cup courtesy of a 3-0 win over Championship Derby.
In their last Premier League game, the home side were slightly fortunate to escape from their trip to Everton with a 1-1 draw. The Toffees looked to have scored a stoppage-time winner through Dominic Calvert-Lewin. However, after long deliberation, VAR ruled the effort out.
The draw kept the Red Devils within three points of fourth-place Chelsea in the race for the Champions League spots. However, they are only above sixth-place Wolves courtesy of superior goal difference.
United have lost just one of their last 12 Premier League matches at Old Trafford. However, they have also won just one of their last three home games in the Premier League on home soil.
Manchester City
The Citizens head to Old Trafford on the back of a five-game winning run in all competitions. Last time out, Pep Guardiola’s team sneaked past Sheffield Wednesday 1-0 in the FA Cup fifth round.
In the Premier League, the reigning champions have won three of their last four matches, keeping clean sheets in all three league victories. Unusually for City, their recent league matches have been low-scoring, as their last four Premier League games have produced under 2.5 goals.
City has a mixed recent record on their travels in the Premier League. However, the visitors have won five of their last seven away games in the English top-flight, including three of their last four outings. Their recent away matches in the top-flight have been low-scoring, with under 2.5 goals scored in their last three matches on the road in the top-flight.
Manchester City have major doubts over the fitness of influential midfielder Kevin De Bruyne. The Belgium international may not start the game but is likely to feature at some point.
Conclusion
United are moving in the right direction under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and are hard to beat. Manchester City are not the team they have been in recent seasons. However, they still have quality within their squad. Therefore, we are backing the draw and under 2.5 goals scored, due to the low-scoring nature of City’s recent matches.
Verdict: We are backing the draw at odds of 10/3 and/or under 2.5 goals scored at odds of 13/10. (All odds are taken from Bet365).
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Who will come out on top in the Manchester derby?
