Manchester City and Manchester United will face off in the Manchester Derby on Sunday as City looks to level their season series and improve their position in the Premier League standings. Manchester City, currently fifth in the league and aiming for a Champions League spot, enters the match with momentum after winning their last two games, including a 2-0 victory over Leicester City. Manchester United, sitting in 13th place, seeks to rebound from a recent 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 11:30 a.m. ET at Old Trafford. Bookmakers have Manchester City as favorites with odds of +115, while Manchester United are underdogs at +225. A draw is priced at +260, and the over/under for total goals is set at 2.5. Soccer expert Martin Green has provided his analysis and predictions for this highly anticipated derby.
Expert Picks: Both Teams to Score & Over 2.5 Goals
History suggests a high-scoring affair, as four of the last five encounters between these rivals have seen three or more goals. Their December match resulted in a 2-1 victory for Manchester United. Despite the absence of their top scorer, Erling Haaland, due to injury, Manchester City`s attack remains potent. Phil Foden is expected to take on a more prominent offensive role. This season, Foden has contributed seven goals and two assists in 24 Premier League appearances.
Manchester United has shown resilience, losing only one game since February. Two of their last three matches have also seen a total of three or more goals. Their attack is led by veteran Bruno Fernandes, who has eight goals and nine assists in 29 league starts this season.
Expert Pick: Manchester City to Win (+115)
Manchester City is just one point behind Chelsea for a top-four spot in the league. They have dominated the Premier League in recent years, winning the last four titles. Last season, Manchester City swept the season series against Manchester United and were leading in their December matchup until late in the game. Manchester City`s last time finishing outside the top four was in the 2009-10 season.
Defender Josko Gvardiol is another key player for Manchester City, having scored five goals this season. His attacking threat from defense adds another dimension to City`s game. The odds for Manchester City to win are currently +115.