Manchester United vs Manchester City Prediction Preview

We bring you our Manchester United vs Manchester City prediction, team news, lineups and fixtures preview courtesy of Scott Thornton. The two Manchester clubs descend upon Wembley once again as Pep Guardiola’s side look to make amends for their FA Cup final defeat.

City are the dominant force in English football and are the clear favourites here. Guardiola’s team have lost the last three Community Shields but have gone on to win the Premier League each time.

1. Manchester United vs Manchester City Tip 1: Both Teams To Score & Over 2.5 Goals
2. Manchester United vs Manchester City  Tip 2: Under 4 Cards In The Match 
3. Manchester United vs Manchester City  Tip 3: Erling Haaland To Score

2024/25 Season Preview on The Football Betting Pod: Abundant Ante-Post Angles

We’re back, as host Daniel Jenkins is joined by bettingexpert Football Editor, Sam Ingram, and bettingexpert contributor, Jack Wright, who serve up fifteen selections between them.

The pair take a forensic look at the ante-post outright betting markets with the aim of serving up a number of value selections ahead of the return of domestic football in the Premier League, Championship, League One and Two.

Manchester United vs Manchester City Prediction 1: Defensive Frailties Remain?

England, Community Shield, Saturday, August 10th, 15:00 (UK)

Manchester United endured a torrid campaign last time out but victory in the FA Cup final was enough to save Erik Ten Hag. The Dutchman’s future was the source of much speculation in the weeks following the season but INEOS opted to trigger an extension in Ten Hag’s contract after assessing other available managers. Despite the vote of confidence, the manager has his work cut out at United. The Red Devils’ defensive issues were apparent last season and we should see a glut of goals in this game as a result.

Ten Hag’s team wound up finishing 8th in the Premier League last season but the stats suggest they were fortunate to finish that high up the table. There was a huge gap between their attacking and defensive units, meaning they conceded an average of 17.55 shots per game in the league. Only Sheffield United allowed their opponents to have more attempts. Manchester United had the 6th highest xGA in England’s top flight but their attacking talent also meant they were capable of finding the net.

Manchester derbies are often goal-laden affairs. The last seven meetings have seen an average of 4.29 goals per game and our bet has won in six of those matches.

• Manchester United vs Manchester City Prediction 1: Both Teams To Score & Over 2.5 Goals (TRACKED BET)
• Best Odds: 1.80
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 10/10

Manchester United vs Manchester City Prediction 2: Cards are Scarce in the Community Shield

Last season’s Community Shield between Manchester City and Arsenal was the first time since 2017 that the referee has handed out more than three cards in the game. Players are seemingly reluctant to commit to meaty tackles on the eve of the Premier League season. In fact, two of the four cards handed out in last year’s fixture were for time-wasting. In the five Community Shields since 2017, there has been an average of just 1.83 cards per game and City have been involved in five of those.

Surprisingly, card numbers are also reasonably low in Manchester derbies. There has been an average of just three cards in the last 10 head-to-heads. This bet has won in four of the six encounters between Erik Ten Hag and Pep Guardiola. The most recent meeting, the FA Cup final, saw just three cards.

John Brooks is at the whistle for this one and he ranks as being fairly lenient when compared with other Premier League referees. His last 10 matches in the league and FA Cup have seen him dish out 3.1 cards on average.

• Manchester United vs Manchester City Prediction 2: Under 4 Cards In The Match 
• Best Odds: 2.00
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 7/10

Manchester United vs Manchester City Prediction 3: Haaland Haunts United

Manchester City struggled in pre-season with several key players missing and Pep Guardiola citing fatigue as an issue for many players after a series of long campaigns. However, they managed to secure a 4-2 win over Chelsea in their last match and this was largely thanks to Erling Haaland. Norway missed out on the World Cup so the striker has a much-needed rest. He could prove to be the decisive factor here.

Haaland has finished as the Premier League’s top scorer in both seasons since he made the switch from Borussia Dortmund to Manchester City. Erling scored 27 league goals last season but perhaps more importantly here, he has been a thorn in the side of Manchester United. Haaland, whose father was famously injured by Roy Keane, has scored six goals in six matches against the Red Devils.

The Norwegian is a pure athlete. He has the pace and strength to get the better of any defender but it is his eye for goal that sets him apart. His non-penalty xG per 90 minutes played in the last year means he ranks in the top 1% in that regard when compared with all other forwards across Europe’s top five leagues. He will no doubt get chances here.

• Manchester United vs Manchester City Prediction 3: Erling Haaland To Score
• Best Odds: 1.83
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 10/10

Manchester United vs Manchester City Prediction odds via bet365 as at 10:42, August 6th, 2024. Odds may now differ.

Manchester United vs Manchester CityTeam News and Possible Lineups: Tournament Contenders to Return

Manchester United were plagued by injuries last season and there have been some worrying signs for Erik Ten Hag in pre-season. Leny Yoro and Rasmus Hojlund will miss the start of the season having picked up injures. The manager will be able to call upon Joshua Zirkzee. He will likely have to rely on a few players who missed the pre-season tour due to their extended runs in major competitions so it’s be interesting to see how the Red Devils perform.

Pep Guardiola has also had several absentees for the pre-season tour thanks to Euro and Copa America 2024. Kalvin Phillips was deployed as a centre-back in their last game but there will be some more familiar faces available for the trip to Wembley.

Manchester United possible starting lineup:
Onana; Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Amass; Casemiro, Mainoo, Mount; Diallo, Rashford, Zirkzee

Manchester City possible starting lineup:
Ortega; Walker, Stones, Ake, Gvardiol; Kovacic, Rodri, McAtee; Bobb, Grealish, Haaland

Match Stats: United’s Dismal Underlying Data

• Erik Ten Hag’s side were 15th on the expected points table for last season.
• Manchester United have won just three of their last 10 matches against Manchester City.
• Manchester City scored the most goals in the Premier League last season with an average of 2.52 per game.
• The last 10 Manchester derbies have seen an average of 3.6 goals.

Manchester United Fixtures: Liverpool Clash Just Weeks Away

• Vs Fulham (H)
• Vs Brighton (A)
• Vs Liverpool (H)
• Vs Southampton (A)
• Vs Crystal Palace (A)

Manchester City Fixtures: Chelsea Await on Opening Weekend

• Vs Chelsea (A)
• Vs Ipswich (H)
• Vs West Ham (A)
• Vs Brentford (H)
• Vs Arsenal (H)

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