Red Devils to scupper City in Manchester derby, Benitez in Tyne-Wear bow

Holly Thackeray | March 18, 2016

Sunday is Premier League derby day, as the north braces itself for two tremendous televised tussles, including Manchester United’s cross-town trip to face Manchester City and Rafael Benitez’s first outing in a Tyne-Wear wrangle.

So, read on for our preview of this stupendous Super Sunday schedule of local scuffles where there is so much more at stake than simply pride…

Newcastle United v Sunderland

Can Benitez end Black Cats curse?

Few would envy Benitez’s baptism of fire as new Newcastle boss, as the Spanish coach follows up his first foray against Leicester City with a home dugout debut and potentially decisive Tyne-Wear derby.

In this match-up Benitez’s Magpies are 23/20 with Coral for a triumph on their own turf against their Northeast enemies, in the context of both teams’ relegation wrangle.

Delve through the archives, though, and recent results make Newcastle look rather short at that to win price, as Sunderland have set a new record with six successive derby victories and are now seeking a seventh (with a 13/5 price to achieve that feat).

Further investigation reveals the Tynesiders have triumphed in just one of their last 10 of these oft-heated derbies, with their last clinching of the spoils taking place away from St James’ Park back in 2011.

Big Sam for bragging rights

Curiously, this clash also has a history of being new Black Cats bosses’ second game in charge, as it was for former Mackems managers Paolo Di Canio, Gus Poyet, Dick Advocaat and current incumbent Sam Allardyce; but now it is Benitez’s turn – can he stand the pressure?

This is also Big Sam’s second ever Tyne-Wear tussle, and the Englishman is 12/5 to at least take home a point, as Sunderland have lost just one of their last five, including drawing their previous two.

With the Black Cats just one point clear of the drop zone, Big Sam will know this dust-up could be crucial later in the relegation game. So, odds of 13/10 for the Magpies to win either half could prove prudent.

Decadent derby doubles

Coral have priced up a selection of tempting anytime scorer doubles for customers to capitalise on, so why not take a peek? Silky Spaniard Ayoze Perez was the last to net for Newcastle and is paired to poach with Dutch dangerman Georginio Wijnaldum at an enticing 8/1.

Or, should you fancy shaking it up a bit with someone from both sides, deadly Jermain Defoe and Wijnaldum are available at 15/2.

Manchester City v Manchester United

Red Devils to avoid Etihad derby danger

Louis van Gaal must rally his Red Devils troops ahead of a Manchester derby that could carry much weight in the Premier League top four race.

Currently four points behind City in the standings, Man Utd must dust themselves down after a disappointing Europa League exit to Liverpool and ensure they don’t lose to two Northwest foes in a row.

Why not back the red half of Manchester then, to respond by avoiding another blow, and repeat the reverse result from earlier in the season, with a draw a more than decent 13/5 price.

Sky Blues in need of Kompany

Man Utd have failed to win on either of their last two trips across town, so could be short at 7/2 for victory. Yet, the Citizens may also be a mistake to back odds-on at 5/6 to make the most of home advantage, as their midweek Champions League progression proved costly.

Manuel Pellegrini will likely be without defensive linchpin Vincent Kompany yet again, as the Belgian limped off last time out and may be missing for around a month. This news should certainly buoy the Red Devils as, without composed captain Kompany, City are rather shaky in defence.

The stats say it all, as Man City have conceded a strike just once every 194 minutes with the Belgian in the backline. While, without him, the Sky Blues rearguard have been beaten every 65 – quite the contrast.

Fellow injured defender Nicolas Otamendi could be fit for this fray but, Man United will be licking their lips at the prospect of some City wobbles, after putting in a much improved attacking performance against Liverpool at Old Trafford.

Derby dangermen to dispatch

Sergio Aguero is the Citizens forward with the best derby record, as the Argentine has struck six in his last four appearances in the Manchester showpiece and is excellent value at 4/1 to open the scoring.

Though, should you fancy mixing up your Manchester marksmen, instinctive Aguero and Red Devil Anthony Martial are paired in a plum 6/1 anytime scorer double.

If you’d rather put a stake on just the French forward, who converted a spot-kick midweek, then you can grab a fantastic 15/8 for Martial to notch anytime, while Old Trafford academy product Marcus Rashford is 2/1 in the same market.

Related

For more on the Premier League see our dedicated section.

Coral’s top tip: Potent Aguero and Martial are tempting as a 6/1 anytime scorer double shout.