Ad disclosure

Man City vs Man United prediction, odds, tips & team news

Man City vs Man United prediction, stats, tips & team news

Man City vs Man United

Manchester City will be hoping for a change in fortune when they host neighbours Manchester United at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday 15th December at 4:30pm. Man City’s Premier League title defence is not going to plan, with Pep Guardiola’s men fourth after 15 games. United still sit 13th after Ruben Amorim’s appointment and will have top four aspirations. This game will be broadcast live in the UK on Sky Sports Premier League.

The hosts were 1/4 to win this fixture last season, and with 4/7 on show this time round, it’s easy to see how their form has nosedived in the last six weeks. United remain the underdogs at 4/1, but new customers with Paddy Power can claim a massive 100/1 on the visitors collecting three points on Sunday.

New customer offer. Max stake £1. Winnings paid in cash at normal odds and are topped up to the enhanced price in Free Bets. Free bets are valid 7 days, only deposits with cards and Apple Pay are eligible. Excludes multiples & in-play bets. T&C’s apply. Please gamble responsibly.

Over 3.5 Goals (6/5 with William Hill)

Manchester City have won five of their last six Premier League games against Manchester United, but I’m swerving the result of this game, after their recent blip has become somewhat of a crisis. Pep Guardiola’s side have won just one of their last ten matches across all competitions (W1 D2 L7). 

Instead, I’ve taken a lean towards Over 3.5 goals in the match at 6/5 with William Hill. Astonishingly, City have conceded at least two goals in nine of their last ten, with their most recent defeat coming at Juventus, when they were deservedly beaten 2-0 on Wednesday.

City remain an attacking force at home and have won three of their last four league matches at the Etihad. This, combined with United’s defensive frailties, which were ever-present against Nottingham Forest last week, should lead to an entertaining and high-scoring Manchester derby.

Bernardo Silva & Lisandro Martinez to be Carded (14/1 with Sky Bet)

Anthony Taylor is tasked with keeping order on Sunday, and I’m hoping the man from Wythenshawe decides to spread some festive cheer and give out a few early Christmas cards. 

Bernardo Silva tends to collect his cards in matches against the bigger sides. Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United are the three teams he has been booked against most in his career. After collecting more than any other City player this season, with six in total, he looks a nice proposition. It’s also worth noting he was even booked in the Community Shield when the pair met back in August at Wembley. 

Lisandro Martinez is the other player I’m targeting to find his way into the book. He also leads the way for his club, picking up the most yellow cards this season. The Argentine has five yellows in 12 league outings in 2024/25, and pairing him with Bernardo Silva pays 14/1 with Sky Bet.

NEW CUSTOMERS ONLY. FIRST SINGLE & E/W BET ONLY. ODDS OF 1/1 OR GREATER. 4 X £10 BET TOKENS. FREE BET STAKES NOT INCLUDED IN RETURNS. FREE BETS ARE NON WITHDRAWABLE. FREE BETS EXPIRE AFTER 30 DAYS. ELIGIBILITY RESTRICTIONS AND FURTHER T&CS APPLY. 18+. GAMBLEAWARE.ORG

How both teams go into Man City vs Man United

The defending champions have a massive uphill battle if they are to win a fifth consecutive league title, now 18 points behind leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand. City have won just one of their last ten matches across all competitions and it’s worth noting that Ruben Amorim has already beaten Pep Guardiola’s side this season, when winning 4-1 with Sporting Lisbon at the start of November.

It’s clear to see that change is not going to happen overnight at Manchester United. Ruben Amorim has lost his last two league matches, and will try to avoid three in a row on Sunday, having never done so in his career as a manager. United sit 13th in the top-flight table and have had limited time to prepare for this clash after their trip to the Czech Republic on Thursday, when they came out 2-1 winners against Viktoria Plzen.

Man City team news

Man City will remain without Oscar Bobb, Rodri and Nathan Ake. This game is expected to come too soon for Manuel Akanji, while John Stones having a foot issue could force Guardiola to start Jahmai Simpson-Pusey in defence.

Man United team news

United have a relatively clean bill of health heading into the Manchester derby, with Jonny Evans being a doubt and Luke Shaw the only other confirmed absentee.

Man City vs Man United head-to-head

Man City beat Man United home and away in the Premier League last season, scoring three goals each time. But Man United got their own back in the FA Cup final. Man City did win the Community Shield meeting earlier this season, albeit on penalties.

Man City vs Man United H2H
Date Score Ground
10/08/24 Man United 1-1 Man City Wembley Stadium, London
25/05/24 Man City 1-2 Man United Wembley Stadium, London
03/05/24 Man City 3-1 Man United Etihad Stadium, Manchester
29/10/23 Man United 0-3 Man City Old Trafford, Manchester
03/06/23 Man City 2-1 Man United Wembley Stadium, London

Read more: