- Date and Time: Sunday, December 15, 2024, 17:30 GMT+1
- Venue: Etihad, Manchester, England
| Odds via 22bet | |
| Manchester City vs Manchester Unite | December 15, 2024, 17:30 GMT+1 |
| Manchester City odds | 1.56 |
| Manchester United odds | 5.1 |
| Draw | 4.56 |
| Over\Under | Total 2,5: 1.44/2.63 |
Manchester City vs Manchester United Preview
Manchester City
This is Manchester City’s worst period since Pep Guardiola took over the team in 2016. The Citizens only registered one win in the last ten games, a 3-0 victory against Nottingham Forest. Rodri’s injury is often quoted as a reason, although his absence alone isn’t sufficient to explain City’s current struggles.
This season is not only Manchester’s lowest in a while but also Pep’s worst in his entire management career. His team suffered six consecutive defeats, which best portrays the extent of the crisis.
The action from our defeat against Juventus 👇
— Manchester City (@ManCity) December 12, 2024
After throwing away a 3-0 lead against Feyenoord, who scored three to equalize, the Citizens lost to Thiago Motta’s Juventus (2-0). City were weak on the counter and could not find a new formula without Rodri.
In the Premier League, Manchester failed to capitalize on their chances against Crystal Palace, resulting in a 2-2 draw. Pep Guardiola’s team conceded as soon as the fourth minute, a common occurrence in the last few weeks.
As expected, an out-of-form City were left powerless against a merciless Liverpool (2-0) at Anfield, with Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah scoring.
It’s a tough period but we will keep fighting 👊
Pep’s reaction to Juventus 👇
— Manchester City (@ManCity) December 12, 2024
All of this leaves Manchester fourth in the Premier League, 8 points behind Liverpool, who still have a game in hand. In the Champions League, they’re 22nd with only 8 points in six games.
| Recent Form | DLWDL |
| Key Player to Watch | Erling Haaland |
| Team Strengths | Strong technical skill, strong team cohesion, clear methodology and squad depth |
| Team Weaknesses | Injuries, overreliance on Rodri, athletic short-comings due to ageing players |
| Key injuries and suspensions. | Rodri, Manuel Akanji, Nathan Aké, John Stones, Phil Foden and Oscar Bobb |
Manchester United
While the Citizens’ downfall continues to shock the world, Manchester United are getting accustomed to Ruben Amorim’s methodology. His first month at the club has produced mixed results. He’s had to adapt tactically in the games and to the media. The culture is different, with more off-the-pitch questions in the press conference, which isn’t to Amorim’s liking.
Fans criticized Amorim for subbing off Bruno Fernandes in Manchester United’s 3-2 loss to Nottingham Forest. He argued that Fernandes was tired and Mason Mount’s set-piece expertise would come in handy.
Gamechanger 🇩🇰🔀
⚽️ Thursday’s Man of the Match reflects on his two-goal heroics in the #UEL…#MUFC
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 13, 2024
Amorim has also been critical of Manchester United’s lack of physical endurance, which he claims is key to the team’s pressing.
The Red Devils won against Viktoria Plzeň (2-1) in the Europa League, with the Czechs scoring first thanks to Matěj Vydra’s strike in the 48th minute. Amorim replied by bringing on Rasmus Højlund, whose brace brought the victory back to Manchester United.
| Recent Form | WWLLW |
| Key Player to Watch | Raul Jimenez |
| Team Strengths | Rapid counter-attacks, diverse profiles in the squad |
| Team Weaknesses | Lack of physical endurance, lack of midfield presence, troubles in the defence |
| Key injuries and suspensions. | Daniel Gore |
Manchester City vs Manchester United Head-to-Head Statistics
The Manchester Derby is one of the longstanding traditions of the Premier League, opposing two rivals who couldn’t hate each other more. The Red Devils won 79 matches, Manchester City 62, and there have been 53 draws. In recent years, the Citizens have found it challenging to defeat United despite City’s dominance. The Red Devils prefer to counter-attack instead of employing Pep Guardiola’s Positional Play. Form rarely matters in this rivalry, as Manchester United has repeatedly shown remarkable resilience against their opponents.
This round will be Amorim’s first Manchester Derby as a coach.
Bet hereManchester City vs Manchester United Player Focus
Finding a player to highlight for Manchester City during a collective crisis is somewhat challenging, but Erling Haaland stands out as the obvious choice. Despite the team’s glaring defensive issues, the Norwegian striker scored against Crystal Palace, provided an assist against Nottingham Forest, and converted a penalty against Feyenoord.
He’s one of the few players who seem unaffected by the chaos in Manchester City. It makes him the go-to choice against the Red Devils. His dominant physique is an immense advantage in the penalty box.
Derby day approaching 👊
🤝 #AsahiSuperDry pic.twitter.com/jIyQaFbX19
— Manchester City (@ManCity) December 12, 2024
For Manchester United, Bruno Fernandes is hard not to mention. The Portuguese connection is evident as he continues to create opportunities for the team, regardless of the coach’s tactics.
He set up against Plzen, scored against Nottingham Forest and assisted against Everton (4-0). Considering Manchester City’s struggles to defend against counter-attacks, he may be Pep Guardiola’s greatest worry on Sunday.
Manchester City vs Manchester United Analysis
City have dominated Manchester derbies in recent years, often controlling possession, while United typically focused on counter-attacking. Things may be different on Sunday, given the Citizens’ defensive struggles. This would suit Amorim’s plans, as he prioritizes counter-attacks over positional play.
City need the game to be played at a slower pace, but this is unlikely to happen without Rodri’s presence. If anything, the Citizens should look to target Erling Haaland, particularly as Lisandro Martínez has struggled in recent weeks.
Manchester City vs Manchester United Prediction
- Football pick: Draw
- Odds: 4.56 (22Bet)
- Score prediction: Manchester City 2-2 Manchester United
Manchester City would usually be deemed the favourite at Etihad, but their current crisis makes the match more interesting. Manchester United’s breath of fresh air under Amorim makes them likely to be more combative against their derby rivals.
The Red Devil’s counter-attacking philosophy is the perfect antidote to Pep’s Positional Play, especially while Rodri is away. The Citizens are still in shock, which allows Manchester United to take the lead as City struggle to keep a clean sheet.
Manchester City vs Manchester United Betting Tip
- Football Pick: Erling Haaland to score
- Odds: 1.8 (22Bet)
While I have pointed out that Manchester City’s defensive woes make it likely for Manchester United to score, it’s equally important to note that the Red Devils face similar issues.
It’s not uncommon for a team to struggle as a collective unit while a new manager restructures. Ruben Amorim repeatedly insisted on Manchester United’s dysfunctional pressing scheme, which benefits Erling Haaland. His dominance in the box and his pace make him the perfect outlet to punish defensive mistakes.
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