Manchester City are in the unusual position of being below United going into Sunday's derby with both sides in desperate need of a morale-boosting win.
The Manchester derby isn’t a must-win game in terms of the Premier League standings, but it feels like both sides are in dire need of a boost.
City return from the international break following consecutive defeats to Tottenham and Brighton. For United, their optimism after a their performance in a 1-0 loss to Arsenal has quickly petered out.
Pep Guardiola’s side are suffering from the same issues which cost them in a 2-1 home defeat to United last December. However, the visitors don’t look cohesive enough to take full advantage.
Ahead of this finely poised Manchester derby, see our 50/1 bet builder selection below.
Man City v Man Utd Bet Builder Tips
Pays out at 50/1
United may not fully capitalise on City’s deficiencies
Manchester United’s win at the Etihad last term was their only success at a top-half side in the Premier League. The Red Devils managed a meagre four wins from their 19 trips, while their win at City was a real smash-and-grab result.
However, City aren’t back to their best. Their kind start at Wolves saw a big opening victory, but successive defeats since have exposed Guardiola’s side.
City remain shaky at the back, while there should be some teething problems as they turn to new goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma – a real departure from Guardiola’s usual stoppers.
United are unbeaten across their last four meetings with City, but the visitors were minutes away from a home draw with Burnley, after going to extra-time against Grimsby. With score draws in two of the Red Devils’ last three, back this one to finish level.
Leg 1: Draw @ 3/1
Haaland can continue hot streak
While City have struggled, Erling Haaland has been fantastic. The striker continued his bright start during the international break, netting six times across his two appearances for Norway.
In the league, Haaland has scored three in three games, while he comes into this weekend having netted in 10 of his last 12 matches for club and country.
The forward also has a brilliant record against Manchester United, scoring six times across five Premier League meetings. He’s the early-season pacesetter in terms of the golden boot, while he leads all players in terms of Expected Goals generated.
Given United’s defensive issues in recent matches, back Haaland to continue his fantastic record against the Red Devils. Last term, City scored 65% of their home league goals in the first half, so side with Haaland to open the scoring for the third time in four matches.
Leg 2: Erling Haaland to score first @ 16/5
Mbeumo leads United threat
With Matheus Cunha limping off in United’s last game, there’s room for Mbeumo to step up as their main man at the Etihad.
He trails Cunha 5-4 in terms of shots on target across the first three games of the season, but the former Brentford man has the opportunity to be more involved on Sunday.
With Benjamin Sesko being eased in and Bruno Fernandes playing in a deeper role, Mbeumo looks like United’s standout threat.
He’s had two shots on target in two of his three league games this term, while he scored in consecutive matches heading into the international break. Back him to build on that form with a couple of efforts on target this weekend.
Leg 3: Bryan Mbeumo to have 2+ shots on target @ 17/4
