Manchester United vs Manchester City predictions: Red Devils to frustrate Citizens
Alex Wrigley
Man City have only won one of their last five meetings with Manchester United
The Red Devils have avoided defeat in eight of their last 10 fixtures
Recommended bet: Manchester United to win or draw – double chance
Manchester United enter the Michael Carrick era as their former midfielder returns on an interim basis and he will be hoping to guide the Red Devils to an unlikely victory in Saturday’s Manchester derby at Old Trafford.
The Citizens may have beaten Newcastle United in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final on Tuesday, but the short turnaround could prove problematic after Pep Guardiola named a strong starting XI at St James’ Park.
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Team news
Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo may be in line to return to action following their respective nations’ elimination from the Africa Cup of Nations, although Noussair Mazraoui’s absence continues.
Mason Mount and Kobbie Mainoo both returned to the starting XI last weekend after injury layoffs, and it will be interesting to see who interim manager Carrick opts for on Saturday.
City’s injury list remains substantial, with the defensive trio of Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol and John Stones sidelined, along with Oscar Bobb, Mateo Kovacic, and Savinho.
Omar Marmoush remains with Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations.
The stats
City have only won two of their last five matches.
United have only lost two of 10 Premier League home games this season.
Guardiola’s side are winless in their last three league fixtures.
Both teams have scored in United’s last four games.
The latest Manchester United vs Manchester City odds are available on LiveScore Bet
Prediction
Darren Fletcher’s brief spell in the Old Trafford dugout ended with a third-round elimination from the FA Cup last weekend but his replacement, Carrick, may enjoy a fruitful start to his temporary tenure in the Manchester derby.
Despite their miserable season overall, the Red Devils have only lost two of their last 10 games and have been defeated just twice in 10 home Premier League matches this season, and they have a promising record against their cross-city rivals.
City have only won one of their last five meetings with the Red Devils and despite success in the cups in the past week, they have not been at their best recently.
The Citizens have drawn their last three Premier League matches against Brighton, Chelsea and Sunderland, and their midweek trip to St James’ Park saw Guardiola field a strong lineup.
The fatigue from this short turnaround should give the underdogs a better chance of getting a result at Old Trafford.
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The latest Manchester United vs Manchester City odds are available on LiveScore Bet
