City and United are playing the Manchester derby in their match for the 4th round of the Premier League, at Etihad Stadium, home of Manchester City.
Facts
- Manchester City have not won against Manchester United in four straight games, losing two. Their last victory came in March 2024, a 3-1 home league win. The Cityzens did win the 2024 Community Shield after that, though they needed a penalty shootout to do so.
- Manchester United have scored in all of their last eight visits to Etihad, winning four and losing four games.
- United manager Ruben Amorim is unbeaten in his two visits to Etihad as Sporting Lisbon and United boss.
Betting Tip: Manchester City - Manchester United
Both City and United have started off the season in disappointing fashion. They have a lot of attacking talent but suffer similar defensive problems. It’s very likely to see both of them score, a rather common way for their Etihad derbies to go.
- Prediction: BTTS
- Odds: 1.60 (at the time of writing)
- Stake: 7
Manchester City
City’s visit to Brighton ended in catastrophe, as they suffered a comeback 2-1 defeat. The Cityzens were in control for the majority of the game and took the lead through Haaland in the 34th minute of the first half.
After the hour mark, however, the team showed signs of slowing down and letting go of the initiative. Brighton took advantage and made them pay for it, first by scoring an equaliser through a penalty in the 67th minute, and then by scoring the winner in the 90th minute.
It’s the first time in 21 years that Manchester City faced defeat in two of their first three games of the season, winning only the opener against Wolves. Just as in the game against Spurs, the match in Brighton highlighted serious issues in dealing with high pressure. Despite that, the team remains an attacking powerhouse on most days.
Pep Guardiola added one player at the transfer window deadline, securing the rights of Italian superstar goalkeeper Gigi Donnarumma for €30 million, while also parting ways with previous goalkeeper Ederson, defender Akanji, and midfielder Ilkay Gundogan.
Manchester United
Manchester United took the scenic route but eventually subdued Burnley at home, 3-2. They were the better team from the start of the game and took a deserved lead by the end of the first half after Cullen’s own goal. The start to the second was not nearly as good, and the Clarets equalised 10 minutes in.
Bryan Mbeumo’s first official goal as a Red Devil came just two minutes after that to give United the lead, but it did not last, as Burnley added a second goal just nine minutes later. The game appeared to be heading towards another draw, but captain Bruno Fernandes had the final word, scoring a 97-minute penalty to give his team a much-needed win.
That win will surely smooth over the edges of the intense pressure everyone in the club is under, following a less-than-ideal start to the season. The team is starting to get contributions from its transfer acquisitions and plays good attacking football. The defence, on the other hand, is not nearly as improved and has been United’s ‘Achilles’ heel’ so far.
The Red Devils were active at the end of the transfer window, adding goalkeeper Senne Lammens from Belgian side Antwerp. Just as importantly, they were finally able to offload several players who are not part of the team’s plans. Wingers Antony, Sancho, and Garnacho, as well as striker Hojlund, departed the team, either on loan or on a permanent transfer.
