Premier League betting – Man Utd vs Man City

Manchester United: League Position 1st, League Form: DWWWL

Manchester United did something last weekend they had yet to do this season, namely lose a league game. This weekend it is important they do not make this their latest habit, as defeat here will do more than knock their own momentum. The second half of the season holds many big games for Alex Ferguson’s side, with trips to Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea, as well as home ties against City and Chelsea. Victory here is one hurdle passed.

Their home record is impressive even for an unbeaten side. 13 games, 12 wins and one draw. 37 goals, 10 more at home than Arsenal (who are second in the goals at home tally), and only eight conceded. They have beaten Liverpool, Tottenham and Arsenal at Old Trafford this season, their biggest challenges passed.

Before the defeat at Wolves they were said to be finding their form and rhythm. This game will show how badly defeat affects them.

Manchester City: League Position: 3rd, League Form: DWLDW

Manchester City may look at this game as their most important match in the title race. Win and they are only two points behind the league leaders, lose and they are eight points behind whilst giving away a game in hand to rivals and title favourites Manchester United.

As ever, mercurial captain Carlos Tevez will have his point to prove, a motive that does not seem to wane however long he stays at City. The way he plays, easily their best player and top Goalscorer, will be shaped by the lineup of his own side and that of the opposition. With Dzeko forward he has another striker to occupy the defence with him, and also will not lead the line so high up, with more freedom to dovetail with his midfield.

City themselves have scored 42 goals this season, 21 home and 21 away, and have gained 22 points on the road this season, bettered only by Arsenal (25), and five better than this weekend’s opposition.

Match Prediction: DRAW – 3.75 Victor Chandler, BetFred.

When the two teams met earlier in the season United had won their last six games in all competitions whilst City had recently lost to both Arsenal and Wolves. The match ended in a dire 0-0 draw, both teams seemingly happy to take a point.

It’s hard to suggest that either side would say no to the same outcome come the end of this tie. A loss is too detrimental for City for them to desperately seek the win, and United may well feel the need to win more than their rivals.

However, both these sides will be strong in defence and sent out hard to beat. Just like at the City of Manchester Stadium in November and, sadly, just like most teams in the big games. The quality is there for this to be outstanding, the likelihood is the game will be tight.

Highlighted Bets:-

Over/Under: Under 2.5 Goals – 1.88 Bet365
First Goalscorer: No Goalscorer – 10.00 Bet365

Man Utd vs Man City Match Odds:- 

Manchester United – 1.8 Paddy Power
Draw – 3.75 Victor Chandler
Manchester City – 5.00 Victor Chandler

By Chris Wilkerson

Click here to view all free bets from online bookmakers