Manchester United vs. Manchester City Prediction, Odds & Picks

Manchester United was humbled 6-3 by “noisy neighbors” Manchester City the last time they met in the Premier League. The Red Devils will be out for revenge this time around.

The Premier League betting odds are much tighter than they were for the last Manchester derby, as United is on a run of eight straight wins. Still, City will be their sternest test yet, as Pep Guardiola’s men chase Arsenal’s five-point lead at the top of the table.

Manchester United vs. Manchester City ​​Prediction, Premier League:

Manchester United vs. Manchester City Odds, Outrights, Over/Under

• Match Result: Man United (+320) Tie: (+290) Man City: (-130)
• Draw No Bet: Man United (+200) Man City (-300)
• Over/Under Goals: Over 2.5 (-160) Under 2.5 (+115)

Manchester United vs. Manchester City Match Info

English Premier League – Match Day 20

Date: Saturday, January 14

Time: 7:30 a.m. ET

Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester, UK

Coverage: NBC Sports, USA Network, Peacock

Manchester United vs. Manchester City Analysis

Manchester United lost its first two games under new manager Eric Ten Hag. The humiliating defeats to Brighton and Brentford at the start of the 2022-23 season drew criticism from around the world. Ten Hag’s era was written off before it had a chance to begin.

Looking back, it’s impossible to compare this Manchester United on a seven-game winning streak to the one that took the field at the beginning of the season. The players are fitter, filled with confidence, and have adapted the pressing philosophy that made Ten Hag so successful at Ajax.

The Dutchman has got the best out of their players, with World Cup winner Lisandro Martinez, defensive midfield powerhouse Casemiro, and creative magician Christian Eriksen all proving astute signings. 

Perhaps the most notable impact is the drastic improvement of Marcus Rashford. The forward was a frustrated figure for the entirety of last season, and he’s scored seven goals in the Premier League so far this season.

United looks like a new team, and the combination of Bruno Fernandes, Eriksen, and Casemiro in midfield has revolutionized how this team plays. 

Martinez will return from his World Cup exploits just in time, as his partnership with Raphael Varane at central defense will be key in keeping a terrifying Manchester City forward line at bay.

Manchester City is second in the table, four points above United in fourth, and five points behind Arsenal at the top. This is a must-win game for Guardiola’s men if they want to keep pressure on the Gunners.

Of course, if there’s one player in the Premier League that any team would love to have right now, it’s Erling Haaland. The striker has a ridiculous 21 goals in 16 games so far, and he’s showing no signs of slowing down. He scored a hat trick (along with Phil Foden) the last time he faced the Red Devils, and he’ll be looking to add to this tally. 

The most difficult thing about facing Manchester City is that no team can be sure where their main threat comes from. Mark out Haaland, and you open up players like Foden, Riyad Mahrez, or Jack Grealish, depending on whose on the pitch.

City has recently slipped against Brentford, Everton, and Southampton, proving they aren’t always at the top of their game. Still, United is in the middle of a brutal fixture schedule with four games in 12 days, and fatigue might hamper their performance here.

I expect a much better match than the one at the Etihad, with Manchester United a more cohesive, confident team. This will be an excellent match, and I expect a high-scoring tie at Old Trafford.

Manchester United vs. Manchester City Game Result Odds

• Match Result: Tie (+290)
• Over/Under Goals: Over 2.5 (-160)
• Both teams to score and the match to end in a tie: (+360)