Manchester Derby Preview: Analysis and Betting Insights

Manchester United will host Manchester City at Old Trafford this weekend in an early English Premier League fixture. Michael Carrick will take charge of Manchester United for the first time since his dismissal from Middlesbrough, where he managed 46.3% of his 136 games.

Team News

Manchester United is without Noussair Mazraoui and the injured Matthijs de Ligt. Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo have returned from international duty, with Mbeumo, United’s top scorer this season, expected to start. Bruno Fernandes will lead the midfield, supported by Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko up front.

Manchester City will see Antoine Semenyo make his Premier League debut for the club, having already scored two goals in his first two games. Erling Haaland is expected to start, with Rayan Cherki and Phil Foden providing creative support.

Head-to-Head and Current Form

Manchester City has won more Premier League away matches against Manchester United than any other visiting team, with nine victories. Both teams have drawn three games in their recent run of five matches, with one loss for each. The last five head-to-head matches have seen two wins for each side, and one draw.

Current Form

Manchester United’s recent form is LDDDW.
Manchester City’s recent form is WWDDD.

Previous Games

• Man City 3-0 Man United (2025)
• Man United 0-0 Man City (2025)
• Man United 1-2 Man City (2024)
• Man City 2-1 Man United (after penalties; 2024)
• Man City 1-2 Man United (2024)

Match Details

The match kicks off at 3:30 PM E.A.T.

Prediction

Manchester City has historically performed well on the road in this fixture and enters the game with a slight advantage. Guardiola’s team is in better form, and is favored to win. However, both teams are expected to score during the match.

Manchester City is currently in second place with 43 points from 21 games, while United is in seventh place with 32 points. City was previously held to three frustrating Premier League draws, allowing Arsenal to generate a six-point gap at the top of the table. United has failed to score in four of their last five Premier League home encounters with Man City, including the last two in a row. Guardiola, the longest-serving Premier League manager (nine years, 199 days), will manage his 31st Manchester derby as City boss.