BETTING GUIDE: Manchester United Vs Manchester City, match preview, team news and betting tip
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Reading Time: 3min | Sat. 17.01.26. | 08:58
With United searching for momentum under new interim management and City chasing the title leaders, the stakes are high on both sides of the divide
The Premier League serves up one of its biggest fixtures on Matchday 22 as Manchester United host Manchester City at Old Trafford in the latest edition of the Manchester derby.
With United searching for momentum under new interim management and City chasing the title leaders, the stakes are high on both sides of the divide.
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Manchester United come into this derby sitting seventh in the league with 32 points from 21 matches (W8 D8 L5). Their recent form has been patchy rather than disastrous, but the lack of wins has stalled progress.
Across their last six matches in all competitions, United have managed just one victory (D3 L2), scoring an average of 1.17 goals per game while conceding 1.33.
Notably, 83% of those matches saw both teams score, highlighting defensive fragility. At Old Trafford, United have taken 18 points from 10 league games (W5 D3 L2), yet recent home form has dipped sharply, with only one win in their last five on home soil.
Defensively, they have managed just one clean sheet since October and have conceded 32 league goals - the highest tally among the top 14 teams.
In team news, interim boss Michael Carrick welcomes back Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo from AFCON, boosting attacking depth. However, injuries to Matthijs de Ligt and suspensions leave United short at the back. Bruno Fernandes remains the creative hub, leading the league in chances created, while Benjamin Šeško is expected to spearhead the attack.
Manchester City are second in the table with 43 points (W13 D4 L4) and boast a goal difference of +26. Pep Guardiola’s side are unbeaten in their last six matches across all competitions (W3 D3), averaging 2.67 goals scored per game while conceding just 0.67.
Away from home, City are unbeaten in their last six trips (W5 D1) and have scored two or more goals in five of those matches.
Despite recent league draws, City have responded emphatically in cup competitions, scoring freely and reasserting their attacking authority. Erling Haaland remains the focal point, having contributed 11 goals and assists combined against United in his career, while Phil Foden and Antoine Semenyo add pace and penetration from wide and half-space zones.
City do arrive with defensive absentees, including Ruben Dias, John Stones and Joško Gvardiol, which slightly levels the playing field.
Even so, their underlying numbers - including one of the league’s highest xG per 90 - remain elite.
Recent derbies have been goal-heavy. Seven of the last eight Premier League meetings have ended with over 2.5 goals, with BTTS landing in two-thirds of recent H2Hs.
The reverse fixture earlier this season ended 3-0 in City’s favour, underlining the mismatch when United’s defensive structure collapses.
Key Betting Pointers;
Seven of the last eight league derbies produced over 2.5 goals.
Manchester United have scored in nine of their last 10 home games.
Manchester City have netted 2+ goals in five of their last six away matches.
Both teams rank first and second in xG per 90 this season.
Given United’s attacking threat but persistent defensive issues, combined with City’s firepower and strong away form, goals look inevitable.
Even with City’s defensive absences, their ability to control territory and create high-quality chances should prevail.
In a derby defined by attacking quality and defensive uncertainty, backing goals offers the strongest value.
Prediction; Over 2.5 Goals
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