This game will always have an extra edge and the Manchester Derby is the highlight of this weekend’s Premier League soccer games. Man City have stuttered after winning their first six matches of the campaign before losing two in succession to Wolves and Arsenal. Man Utd have been inconsistent for much of the season, but three straight wins in all competitions, may give the Red Devils some confidence as they prepare to face their old rivals.
There is more than just bragging rights up for grabs in Sunday’s contest (10.30am ET; 3.30pm GMT) but who will come out on top? This MUFC vs MCFC predictions and preview article, with betting picks, tries to answer that.
Manchester City go into the game as hot favorites on the moneyline with the foremost United States’s oddsmakers with best industry odds of 7/10 available on the home win. The draw follows at a general 3/1, while most sportsbooks are quoting 4/1 on victory for Manchester United.
MCFC started the weekend in second place and as leaders Spurs won at Crystal Palace on Friday, that is where they stay. MUFC are much further back in eighth, and are already facing a battle to hit their minimum target – a top four EPL finish and Champions League qualification. Both franchises were in UCL action in midweek. United needed a Harry Maguire goal and a last-minute penalty save from Andre Onana to secure a 1-0 win over FC Copenhagen on Tuesday. A day later, Man City travelled to Young Boys in Switzerland and came away with a 3-1 win as all goals landed in the second half. City may have a higher league position, but form is fairly even in both camps, and this game may be much closer than the sportsbooks’ moneyline match odds suggest.
Erling Haaland continues to dominate the top of any first goalscorer market where he is involved. Manchester City’s Norwegian international striker has scored nine goals in as many Premier League games so far this season. He is available at best industry odds of 11/4 to find the net first at Old Trafford. Man City’s back-up striker Julian Alvarez has four league goals to date and he is the second favorite at 11/2.
Manchester United’s first option in this market is Rasmus Hojlund at 8/1, while Marcus Rashford is just behind at 9/1. In terms of some value from midfield and beyond, Scott McTominay opened the scoring for Man Utd against Sheffield United last week. He has been in stunning scoring form at international level for Scotland, so McTominay could be an option at best odds of 28/1. For Manchester City, Jack Grealish is always a threat from set pieces and long range. He is listed at 11/1.
Away from individual player betting, Both Teams to Score is on offer for Sunday’s contest at 4/6 with a number of outlets. If you think one or both of these sides will be shut out, the ‘no’ option on BTTS can be claimed at a top price of 6/5.
Total Combined Goals is up next and this MUFC vs MCFC preview will start with figures Above the 2.5 line. This can be backed at 7/10 in places, but if we push that one stage higher to Over 3.5 goals, this will currently be met at a general 7/4. If you aren’t expecting a feast of goals at Old Trafford, betting Under the 2.5 goal line will currently bring odds of 11/10.
As for the Correct Score options, according to the match result betting, the most likely outcome in this game is a clinical away win. So bettors may want to consider Manchester United 1 Manchester City 3 at best odds of 14/1. A 2-1 win for Manchester United can be claimed at a top price of 16/1, while the 1-1 draw is available at a best of 15/2.
Our MUFC vs MCFC Preview’s Betting Predictions & Picks Conclusion
An additional factor in this game could involve midweek scheduling. Manchester United had an advantage of a home Champions League tie on Tuesday night. Manchester City were away in Switzerland a day later. It is debatable whether this has an effect in modern day football, where squads are bigger, but it is worth noting.
More importantly, the form guide hints at a more even contest than the match odds indicate. Over the course of their last seven Premier League games, MCFC have picked up three points, while MUFC are not far behind on nine.
All of this is hinting at a share of the points on Sunday, so for the predictions this preview will make the draw on the moneyline our first pick. For a second bet with shorter odds, we’ll play safer on Both Teams to Score. United and City have been productive in front of goal recently and, in the case of the home side, goals have been scored from all areas of the pitch. Neutrals will hope for some entertainment, but we suspect this may be a dour contest. The 1-1 correct score bet is a tempter, but we’ll stay with these two betting picks:
- The draw at +315 on the moneyline with BetOnline. Next best is +310 with Bovada and only +290 with EveryGame.
- Both Teams to Score at best odds of -130 with BetOnline.
Matt Harris is a golf and soccer expert for USA Betting. His other area of specialist knowledge is cricket. He is well known in sports journalism and contributes articles to a plethora of big-name websites and media outlets. Titles that he writes or has written for include: Betfair, BetVictor, Unibet & Just Bookies.