Big Match Breakdown: Manchester City v Manchester United
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Odds, team news and tips ahead of the derby
Manchester City could wrap up their first Premier League title under Pep Guardiola with victory against city-rivals Manchester United tonight,
The Citizens need just three more points to be crowned champions. If they emerge victorious at the Etihad Stadium this evening, they’ll become the earliest top-flight title-winners since 2001.
They’ll need to bounce back from a midweek defeat to Liverpool, though. City were shell-shocked at Anfield to make it three defeats in their last eight matches.
Against Man United, who have won five of their last six matches, they’ll expect a response.
The Coral News Team have previewed the titanic clash with another Big Match Breakdown…
Head-to-Head
Man City were a class above their neighbours in December. The Citizens chalked up a 2-1 win at Old Trafford with goals from David Silva and Nicolas Otamendi.
That was only their second win in their last seven games against the Red Devils.
However, it’s Guardiola who holds the better record against his managerial counterpart. The Catalan has won 10 of his 20 clashes against the Portuguese coach. Mourinho has recorded just four victories in those meetings.
Likely XIs
United have no fresh injury concerns ahead of this evening’s clash. Eric Bailly could return in place of Victor Lindelof, while Marcus Rashford will be pushing to replicate his goal against the Sky Blues from earlier in the season.
City are expected to make changes in preparation for their Champions League second-leg tie against Liverpool. Fabian Delph, Raheem Sterling and John Stones could all be handed starts. Sergio Aguero may return after missing Wednesday night’s game at Anfield.
Key Battles
Mourinho will want to spoil the party at the Etihad. So expect the ex-Chelsea manager to set up in a way that frustrates City. Nemanja Matic and Paul Pogba will have starring roles with containment the order of the day.
If the visitors can do that, they’ll fancy their chances on the break with the likes of Romelu Lukaku, Alexis Sanchez and Rashford. If containment fails, however, then Kevin De Bruyne and Leroy Sane could run rings against an exposed defensive line. The Red Devils have a good defensive record of late. But Guardiola’s charges will test that to the limit.
Match Odds
The hosts are overwhelming favourites to win the derby at 5/6. You can back United at 13/4. The draw is available at 13/5.
Fixtures between the two city rivals tend to be tight. Only one of the last eight meetings has seen over three goals scored.
Sergio Aguero is considered the most likely scorer for the hosts at 11/10 Anytime. Lukaku takes top-billing for the visitors at 9/4.
However, it’s Rashford who has a habit of scoring in big games. United’s new favourite son has bagged against Man City (x2), Liverpool (x2), Arsenal (x2) and Chelsea since making his debut in 2016. He’s 14/5 Anytime this afternoon and 17/2 to Score Last.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
