Manchester United welcome Manchester City to Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon for the first Manchester derby of the Premier League season.
Man United have made an inconsistent start to the campaign. Michael Carrick’s side lost 2-0 at home to Hull City on the opening weekend before responding with a 5-2 win over Ipswich Town. They then conceded a late equaliser in a 2-2 draw at Everton last time out.
Man City have been perfect so far. Enzo Maresca’s side have won all three of their Premier League games, beating Bournemouth, Crystal Palace and Coventry, before following that up with a 2-0 Champions League victory over Porto.
There is plenty of intrigue around this derby, with City arriving in better form but United having home advantage.
Carrick also knows exactly what a win over City can do after United beat their neighbours 2-0 at Old Trafford during his spell in charge last season.
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What are the best picks for Manchester United vs Manchester City?
Manchester City to win
City have made the better start to the Premier League season, winning all three of their opening games. They have also conceded just once during that run, giving them a strong base heading into the derby.
United have shown plenty of attacking threat, but their defence has already looked vulnerable.
They conceded twice against both Hull City and Everton, and City have the quality to punish those mistakes.
Erling Haaland is also in good form, making City the side I prefer to take all three points.
Over 2.5 goals
There have been plenty of goals in United’s games so far. Their opening three Premier League matches have produced 13 goals, with Carrick’s side scoring seven and conceding six.
City have scored seven in their three league games, while Haaland has been one of their main threats.
United have enough attacking quality to cause problems of their own, so I expect this derby to produce at least three goals.
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Both teams to score
I also like Both Teams To Score as a third option. United have scored in two of their three Premier League games and have plenty of attacking players capable of creating chances at Old Trafford.
City’s defence has been impressive so far, but a Manchester derby is a different test.
United should have opportunities in front of their home crowd, while City have enough firepower to find the net themselves. I can see both sides getting on the scoresheet.
Where can I watch Manchester United vs Manchester City?
Manchester United vs Manchester City kicks off at 4:30pm BST on Sunday, September 13.
The match will be played at Old Trafford and will be shown live on Sky Sports in the UK.
What have the managers said?
Michael Carrick
Carrick admitted the short turnaround from United’s Champions League game against Sabah is not ideal, with City having two extra days to prepare.
“I wouldn’t say it is ideal”
The United boss has also been pleased with Benjamin Sesko’s return to form after the striker scored against Everton and then found the net again against Sabah.
Enzo Maresca
Maresca has backed Elliot Anderson’s claim that Manchester City are the “kings of Manchester” ahead of his first derby as City boss.
“I think Manchester City was unbelievable what they achieved. It’s normal when Elliot said that”
The City boss also played down United’s concerns over the fixture schedule, pointing out that City faced a similar situation last season.
“Sometimes it happens in football. You need to adapt”
What is Manchester United’s predicted team?
(4-2-3-1) Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Shaw; Mainoo, Tielemans; Mbeumo, Fernandes, Dorgu; Cunha.
Injured: Ugarte, De Ligt, Baleba.
Doubts: Marcus Rashford.
United are expected to stick with a 4-2-3-1 formation for the derby. Rashford should be fit after recovering from the issue that forced him off against Everton.
Benjamin Sesko is also pushing for more minutes after scoring in his last two appearances.
What is Manchester City’s predicted team?
(4-1-4-1) Donnarumma; Nunes, Guehi, Dias, Gvardiol; Bouaddi; Foden, Fernandez, Cherki, Semenyo; Haaland.
Injured: Jeremy Doku.
Doubts: Nico O’Reilly.
City are expected to make a few changes after their strong start to the season. Haaland will lead the attack after scoring five goals in his last three games.
O’Reilly could return to the squad, while Doku remains unavailable.
Score prediction: Manchester United 1-3 Manchester City
United should make this competitive, particularly with the derby being played at Old Trafford.
However, City have looked more consistent during the opening weeks of the season and have the attacking quality to punish United’s defensive weaknesses.
I expect United to score, but City should have enough to take all three points.
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