The Premier League returns from the international break with one of its marquee fixtures as Manchester City and Manchester United clash at the Etihad Stadium.
Match News and Current Form
Manchester City come into the derby on the back of successive defeats, making this the first time since 2004/05 that they’ve lost two of their opening three league matches. Their three-point haul at this stage is the lowest of any side Pep Guardiola has managed, and another defeat here would mark the first time they’ve lost three of their opening four Premier League games since being relegated in 1995/96! A lengthy injury list has hardly helped matters, but City appear primed to bounce back as they had won five successive home league games before losing to Tottenham last month.
Given the perpetual chaos that has surrounded Manchester United for the last 12 years - with this season so far no exception - it’s perhaps surprising that they’ll cross the city above their neighbours in the table. Ruben Amorim’s men bounced back from their humiliating Grimsby debacle with a last-gasp 3-2 win over Burnley before the international break, but the Red Devils needed a stoppage-time penalty to secure the points. That was just an eighth win in 30 Premier League games under Amorim (D7, L15), with half of those victories coming against promoted sides.
Head-to-Head History
City have won five of the last eight Premier League H2Hs between these sides (D1, L2), but just six of the last 20 meetings in this competition have been won by the home side on the day (D4, L10). United have avoided defeat inside 90 minutes in their last four games against City across all competitions (W2, D2).
Hot Stats and Streaks
All five of Man City’s goals this season have arrived after the 30th minute.
Four of Guardiola’s 16 home league defeats as City boss have come against Manchester United.
United’s 58 shots taken is at least 14 more than any other side in the Premier League after three rounds.
United are winless in six Premier League away games (D2, L4), conceding exactly once in four of those games.
Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
There could be no better game for Oscar Bobb to announce himself to the City faithful in, but they may be kept waiting as all three of his senior club goals have come beyond the hour mark. Bruno Fernandes scored decisively against Burnley and has been on target in each of United’s last three Premier League wins over City.
City’s potential injury list features as many as six defenders, including John Stones, while Omar Marmoush is out with a knee injury. United’s main concern surrounds Matheus Cunha, who suffered a muscle injury against Burnley and faces a race against time to be fit for this one.
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Betting Analysis
City’s need to respond, which, combined with their somewhat leaky defence, means backing both teams to score should provide a return.
Author: Ryan Fisher