Man United vs Man City prediction and odds ahead of Premier League clash

Michael Carrick starts his interim role with the Manchester Derby as Man United welcome Pep Guardiola's Man City to the Premier League

Manchester United host Manchester City at Old Trafford this weekend in the eagerly awaited Manchester derby, with Michael Carrick taking charge for his second spell as interim manager.

Carrick faces a tough start to his tenure, with consecutive matches against local rivals City and, the following week, league leaders Arsenal. United’s recent league form has been disappointing, with just three wins in their last ten outings and a current four-game winless run in all competitions, following a recent loss to Brighton & Hove Albion. The timing of Carrick’s appointment could be crucial, as the club’s decision to wait until this week has left him little opportunity to make significant changes on the training ground.

While United remain among the league’s top scorers with 36 goals, their defensive record is cause for concern—they have kept just two clean sheets all season. That statistic is particularly worrying as they prepare to face a Manchester City side that leads the Premier League in goals scored, with 45.

City come into the derby as favourites to complete a league double over their rivals. Pep Guardiola’s men are in superb form, unbeaten in their last 13 matches after a victory at St. James’ Park. In the league, City have not lost since a 2-1 defeat at Newcastle United in November, winning six and drawing three of their last nine games. The Citizens have also won three of the last six league meetings between the two sides.

City will be confident heading into this encounter, especially with the uncertainty surrounding Carrick’s impact in his return to the dugout. With United’s defensive vulnerabilities and City missing key defenders Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol, this derby could turn into an open, high-scoring affair.

Man United vs Man City Betting Tips

• Man City to win and both teams to score - 7/4 (Betfred)
• Over 2.5 goals - 8/15 (Betfred)
• Erling Haaland to score anytime - 4/6 (Betfred)

18+ | Gamble responsibly | gambleaware.org | Odds subject to change

Gamble responsibly

Everyone at The Inside Track and Reach are committed to promoting safer gambling. All of our content and recommended bets are advised to those aged 18 or over. Odds are subject to change too.

We strongly encourage our readers to only ever bet what they can afford to lose. For more information, please call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or visit begambleaware.org.