Premier League

Man Utd vs Man City prediction

Manchester City will be looking to rebound from their shock defeat last weekend when they face rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford on Saturday lunchtime.

Pep Guardiola’s side were surprisingly beaten 0-2 at home by Crystal Palace, whilst the Red Devils romped to a 3-0 win away to Tottenham Hotspur.

However, there are still five points between these two in the Premier League table and a golf in managerial class.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has pulled off some impressive results in his time, I cannot deny that. But his in-play changes and timing of substitutions remains woeful. I don’t fancy his and his side’s chances against a City side that will be keen and focused to bounce back this weekend.

The Citizens may be without an out-and-out striker but they still have a wealth of goals around the pitch. Bernardo Silva is capable of playing as the makeshift number nine, and is arguably playing the best football of his career right now. Kevin De Bruyne has played there too but I would expect him to play in a more creative midfield role this weekend. Gabriel Jesus may simply get the nod up front too.

Raheem Sterling hasn’t been handed too many opportunities this season but his pace could be used to exploit United on the counter-attack, whilst Jack Grealish, Riyad Mahrez and Phil Foden are all threats in those attacking midfield roles too.

With Solksjaer having the choice of Paul Pogba, Fred, Nemanja Matic or Scott McTominay in front of his back four, I expect Manchester City to dominate possession and create a number of chances in open play. I am still not convinced of Harry Maguire against the top players too. His lack of pace could also be exposed on Saturday.

All-in-all I am expecting Manchester City to come away with all three points in the Manchester derby this weekend.

Best bet: Man City to win is 1.76 with Betfair