Premier League Betting Preview of Manchester Derby: Manchester City v Manchester United – Sunday, December 15, 2024

A clash of titans is set to electrify Sunday’s Premier League action as Manchester City and Manchester United lock horns in the much-anticipated Manchester derby at the Etihad Stadium. Both clubs, far from their dominant best this season, look to regain pride and momentum in what promises to be a thrilling encounter.

While Ruben Amorim will experience his first Manchester derby since taking over the reins at Old Trafford, the Portuguese manager has already tasted victory over Pep Guardiola this season. His Sporting Lisbon side delivered a 4-1 hammering to City in the Champions League last month, just before Amorim’s move to England.

Manchester City – Wounded Yet Dangerous?

Pep Guardiola finds himself in uncharted territory as Manchester City stutter through an unusually challenging period. Their recent 2-0 defeat at the hands of Serie A giants Juventus in the Champions League compounded a run of seven losses in their last 10 matches across all competitions. This alarming slump includes a draw against Crystal Palace last weekend, where City had to fight back twice to salvage a 2-2 result.

Despite their struggles, City remain a threat at the Etihad. Back-to-back three-goal hauls against Nottingham Forest and Feyenoord showcase their attacking potency at home, although their defensive frailties persist. Alarmingly, Guardiola’s men have conceded at least two goals in nine of their last 10 matches, keeping a solitary clean sheet against Wolves during this turbulent run.

Victory on Sunday is imperative for City, who cling to a top-four spot in the Premier League standings but risk falling out of the Champions League places depending on Saturday’s results.

City’s defensive crisis deepens as youngster Rico Lewis joins the absentee list due to suspension. Pep Guardiola is also without the services of Nathan Ake, Manuel Akanji, John Stones, Oscar Bobb and most importantly – Rodri. Thus, the man City boss may call upon academy talents Jahmai Simpson-Pusey or Josh Wilson-Esbrand to fill gaps in his backline. 

On a positive note, Mateo Kovacic’s return to the bench provides a midfield boost for the Cityzens, though it’s yet to be seen whether the experienced Croatian is fully fit to start.

Even though he had scored just once in his last four appearances, Erling Haaland remains one of the division’s top scorers with 13 goals in 15 appearances (level with Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, who boasts 13 goals and 8 assists in 14 games) and the Norwegian remains without an alternative in this Manchester City setup. 

United on the Eve of Amorim’s First Manchester Derby 

The Red Devils enter into the Manchester Derby after a dramatic comeback win in the Europa League, where Rasmus Hojlund’s heroics spared the blushes of Andre Onana, whose error handed Viktoria Plzen the opening goal. Hojlund’s brace ensured a 2-1 victory in the Czech Republic, but it did little to mask United’s underlying issues.

Ruben Amorim’s side has endured back-to-back Premier League defeats, including a surprise 3-2 defeat to Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford last weekend, leaving Manchester United languishing in 13th place. Furthermore, United’s woes extend to their away form, where they have failed to win any of their last five Premier League games on the road and have just two wins in their last 13 top-flight matches away from Old Trafford.

The Portuguese faces a daunting task to end United’s three-game losing streak at the Etihad, where City have repeatedly outclassed their neighbors in recent years.

United’s injury list is relatively short, with Luke Shaw the only long-term absentee. Jonny Evans is nearing full fitness and could make the squad. Ruben Amorim is expected to make changes, with Rasmus Hojlund, Mason Mount, and Alejandro Garnacho pushing for starts after strong performances in Plzen. Garnacho, in particular, may pose problems for a struggling Kyle Walker.

Hojlund, meanwhile, is set to get the nod over Joshua Zirkzee after his prolific second half appearance. The Danish striker now boasts five goals in his last four appearances and will be eager to take advantage of Ruben Amorim’s know-how to develop Nordic forwards, with the Portuguese manager particularly recognized for his brilliant work to turn Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres into one of the most in-demand players in European football nowadays. 

Zirkzee himself produced a promising performance when he netted a brace in United’s 4-0 victory over Everton a fortnight ago, but the Dutchman has been far from impressive since, and may drop in the pecking order. 

Possible Starting Lineups of Manchester City and Manchester United 

Manchester City: Ederson – Kyle Walker, Ruben Dias, Jahmai Simpson-Pusey, Josko Gvardiol –  Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan – Bernardo Silva, Phil Foden, Matheus Nunes – Erling Haaland. (4-2-3-1) 

Manchester United: Andre Onana – Noussair Mazraoui, Lisandro Martínez, Matthijs de Ligt – Amad Diallo, Manuel Ugarte, Kobbie Mainoo, Diogo Dalot – Bruno Fernandes, Alejandro Garnacho – Rasmus Hojlund. (3-4-2-1) 

Spooky Express Betting Prediction 

EveryGame lists Manchester City as firm favorites at -161, reflecting their superior home form and attacking firepower. Manchester United, despite their struggles, are priced at +375 to pull off an upset, while a draw is available at +333.

This Manchester derby promises fireworks, with both sides grappling with defensive vulnerabilities and inconsistent form. Manchester United’s away-day woes and recent defeats weigh heavily against them, while City’s attacking prowess at the Etihad could be a huge challenge for the Red Devils. 

Nevertheless, expect an open, high-scoring affair, with Ruben Amorim’s side likely to edge a thrilling contest and Rasmus Hojlund adding to his tally.

Spooky Express Free Play: Outcome And Totals – X2 (Manchester United or Draw) and Over 1.5 Goals +170 at EveryGame for 4/10 Units

Spooky Express Free Play 2: Anytime Goalscorer – Rasmus Hojlund +260 at EveryGame for 3/10 Units