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Manchester City vs Manchester United: Odds, Tips and Prediction

The Manchester Derby is often soaked in intrigue and intensity. The Etihad Stadium will play host on Sunday when Ruben Amorim’s side make the short trip across competitive lines. The hosts will want to lay down an early marker, but there is a quiet confidence among this United side which is likely to result in a game where both teams look to go and win it.

Ryan Liberty
Ryan Liberty

Last updated: 2025-09-12

Chad Nagel

5 minutes read

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Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United celebrates

Bruno Fernandes/Getty Images

Pre-Game Odds and Win Probability: United Early Underdogs

  1. Manchester City: 7/10 (1.7) – 60%

  2. Draw: 31/10 (4.1) - 22%

  3. Manchester United: 36/10 (4.6) – 18%

    *Odds courtesy of Betway, subject to change

Head-to-Head Record

  1. 06/04/2025: Manchester United 0-0 Manchester City 

  2. 15/12/2024: Manchester City 1-2 Manchester United

  3. 10/08/2024: Manchester City 2-1 Manchester United

  4. 25/05/2024: Manchester City 1-2 Manchester United

  5. 03/03/2024: Manchester City 3-1 Manchester United

Manchester City Current Form - WLWWD

Although Manchester City have a formidable record at home, their inconsistency this season – albeit early on – is becoming a real cause for concern. Before the international break, Pep Guardiola’s men stumbled against the Seagulls. They managed to concede a second-half lead and saw a further two points lost in the league. 

Their possession dominance and ability to control the game is undeniable and so the chances they create in front of goal should come as little surprise. To suggest that this side is without quality is a dangerous sentiment to hold, they can hurt you from anywhere and that is likely to be their approach come Sunday. 

Key Players to Watch

  • Erling Haaland : Although he is so often a player mentioned whenever Manchester City play, he will be a player worth keeping your eye on. He tends to show his best in the biggest moments, and Sunday will be no different. 
  • Tijjani Reijnders : He has quickly become a household name for City and someone they have begun to look to in big moments. His balance and attacking threat when in possession is matched only with his defensive sense and a deep commitment to see his side up the field. Keep an eye on him here in his first derby.
  • Rodri: The return of Rodri into this Manchester City side has come with an ability to transfer defensive pressure into an attacking threat for Pep Guardiola. His experience and ability in the middle of the park should not be underestimated and so if he is able to reach the heights of the 2024/25 season, City can once again hurt you from anywhere on the pitch.

Manchester City Team News

The return of Rodri will bolster the quality they have at their disposal, and at the time of writing, they are without any injury concerns.

Manchester United Current Form – WWDLL

Ruben Amorim’s side come into this game devoid of any extended positive performances, but one would have to guard themselves against the narrative created in the media. Their stoppage-time victory over Burnley last time out in the league managed to buy them time – but the pressure is steadily mounting. 
They are winless in their last six Premier League games (including last season) and as difficult as it may seem, they are in dire need of victory here. 

Key Players to Watch

  • Bruno Fernandes : The Manchester United captain continues to be a goal threat, and a player capable of turning the game onto its head for Manchester United. He has undeniable influence in this side, so count him out at your peril.
  • Matheus Cunha : He has quickly become an absolute revelation for Manchester United. His attacking prowess is without question and the way in which he is able to introduce a physical aspect to his game makes him one of the best suited attacking options you can have. Keep an eye on him here.
  • Casemiro :He is another player who at has attracted a fair amount of criticism after United’s recent performances. Nevertheless, his experience and quality through the midfield have once again reared its head and he has enjoyed a positive start to the season here. There wouldn’t be too many surprised to see him positively impact the game here.

Manchester United Team News

Diogo Dalot is a doubt after withdrawing from the Portugal side due to muscular discomfort, but otherwise Ruben Amorim is also able to pick a side from a full complement of players. 

Predicted Line-Ups

  1. Manchester City:
    Donnarumma, Ait-Nouri, Dias, Stones, Lewis, Reijnders, Gonzalez, Doku, Silva, Bobb, Haaland.

  2. Manchester United:
    Lemmens, Yoro, De Ligt, Shaw, Diallo, Casemiro, Fernandes, Mazraoui, Mount, Mbeumo, Cunha

Suggested Bets

These carefully selected bets offer great value, but always review the betting rules before placing your wagers to avoid any surprises.

  1. Manchester City Win – Given the way in which they have been playing, alongside the dominance of their derby encounters, backing City to win this game seems to be the right play. (7/10 with Betandyou).

  2. Over 2.5 Goals – Backing Over 2.5 Goals in a game where both teams will likely look to win it, is another angle worth considering. . (13/20 with Stake)

  3. Both Teams to Score – Given that neither side have maaged to show any sort of real defensive prowess, back Both Teams to Score. (6/10 with Pin Up)

Value Bets

  1. Cunha (Anytime Goalscorer) – His attacking metrics have begun to speak for themselves. He has adapted to life in a Red Devils jersey seamlessly and continues to knock on the proverbial door. (29/20 with 1Win)

  2. Both Halves Over 1.5 Goals – It might be a risky bet to consider but given the fact that neither side have managed to show any real defensive duty here, backing a high scoring affair could prove profitable. (11/4 with 1xBet)

  3. Manchester City + Over 2.5 Goals – Combine this betting angle for maximum value. (5/4 with 1Win)

Prediction: Manchester City to Win

Whilst this may be a derby and so there might not be too much between these two teams, City have shown a greater degree of consistency in order to earn our vote to win the game and claim the three points which go along with it. 

Pep Guardiola’s side know how to apply the pressure to their opponents and apply the proverbial chokehold. United, meanwhile, have played decent football, but struggled to find a degree of confidence which could be their undoing here. 

New bettors can maximize their returns on this high-profile derby by claiming a sign up bonus before placing their wagers.

Ryan Liberty
Ryan LibertyBetting Writer

Ryan Liberty is an experienced sports writer whose articles have featured in some of the biggest sports publications in South Africa. With a strong understanding of all major sports and an in-depth understanding of betting, Ryan consistently delivers insightful content. He's also known for his ability to break down complex topics into engaging, reader-friendly pieces.

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