The Manchester derby returns to the Etihad Stadium on Sunday as Manchester City faces Manchester United. The Cityzens set records in their 6-2 victory over Luton Town, with Haaland scoring all but one for the team in sky blue. Both teams will be off the heels of their FA Cup ties against Luton Town and Nottingham Forest. Read on to access an Manchester Derby 2024 prediction and explore stats and tips for Manchester United odds.
- Manchester City vs Manchester United, English Premier League
- March 3, 2024
- 10:30 AM EST
- Etihad Stadium, Manchester, England
- Peacock, NBC
Manchester City vs Manchester United Odds
The Cityzens are a huge favorite to triumph in the reverse fixture, currently lined at (-340). Manchester United will have a lot of work on their hands if they are to exact revenge on City, who prevailed 3-0 in the last meeting. The Red Devils are priced at a long (+875), while a draw is very unlikely as well at (+525).
| Premier League |  |  |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Man City | -340 | -360 | -360 | -360 | -375 |
| Man United | +875 | +850 | +850 | +850 | +825 |
| Draw | +525 | +500 | +500 | +500 | +500 |
To better understand the 3-way moneyline (1X2) market, see our soccer betting tips and learn about English Premier League betting odds.
Manchester City Recent Form and Team News
In their last five matches, Manchester City has secured four victories and one draw. The draw, against Chelsea at the Etihad, interrupted a remarkable streak of 10 consecutive wins across all competitions. Subsequently, City has won three consecutive matches, defeating Brentford, Bournemouth, and most recently, Luton.
A return to European action began as they triumphed 3-1 against Copenhagen in the first leg of their last 16 tie. They now carry a commanding lead back to Manchester in their quest to retain the Champions League trophy.
As of now, Jack Grealish stands as the primary concern for City in the upcoming Manchester derby, although Josko Gvardiol has not yet returned to action. Pep Guardiola confirmed last week that the defender is nearing his return. On a concerning note, Erling Haaland has expressed that he is "finally feeling good" after a frustrating season dealing with injuries.
Manchester United Recent News
Barring a loss to Fulham, Manchester United have looked quite strong as of late. Their 2024 form is remarkably different from what we had seen in 2023. A disastrous beginning to the campaign garnered strong reactions from anxious United fans, many of whom called for Ten Hag’s sacking. The Dutchman weathered the storm and now has United back in European contention, albeit a far cry from their title hopes to begin the year.
Manchester United has encountered challenges in scoring goals this season, boasting the lowest total of 36 among top-half teams. Nevertheless, there has been an improvement since the beginning of the year, largely attributed to the emergence of Rasmus Hojlund as a significant goal threat. Unfortunately, Hojlund's injury will sideline him, prompting manager Erik Ten Hag to seek alternative sources for an offensive spark. Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho, both with five goals each, might be tasked with shouldering this responsibility.
Furthermore, Ten Hag's team has managed only one clean sheet in their last nine league fixtures. This defensive vulnerability poses a challenge against their upcoming opponents, who rank in the top three for goals scored. The host team boasts the league's leading scorer, Haaland, who has netted an impressive 17 goals.
Erik Ten Hag faces significant injury setbacks as both Luke Shaw and Rasmus Hojlund are anticipated to be unavailable. Shaw sustained a muscle injury, leading to a projected absence of several months, while Hojlund is set to be out for at least a couple of weeks. Adding to the woes, Lisandro Martinez is sidelined for the long term due to a knee injury.
Manchester City vs Manchester United Odds, Prediction and Free Betting Pick
Both Manchester-based teams will be playing on short rest as FA Cup 5th Round ties took place this week. Manchester United prevailed over a tricky Nottingham Forest after a late winner from Casemiro. The Brazilian headed in the deciding goal off a set piece to book the Red Devil’s spot in the final eight of the prestigious English cup.
Manchester City supporters got the chance to return home early after a 6-2 drubbing of relegation candidate Luton Town, which included a whopping 5 goals from their beloved Norwegian Erling Haaland. I don’t put too much stock in such a performance, as City played their best men against a squad that is most likely more concerned with remaining in the top-flight of English soccer. Prior to this outbreak, City had scored just once in three straight matches against Chelsea, Brentford and Bournemouth, all of whom are worse at defending than United.
In such a contentious matchup between two top-6 clubs in the Premier League, a side being shaded this much is a bit of a far stretch. The Manchester derby is a heavily anticipated event and nerves will be high for both clubs. While a Manchester City domination is entirely in the cards, so is a cagey affair between two rivals. In conclusion, I think United’s chances of winning are higher than 10% and will be backing them to do so on Sunday, but only with just a sprinkle.
Odds are accurate at the time of writing but are subject to change.
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