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Manchester City vs Manchester United Preview: Odds, Tips and Prediction

SportsBoom unpacks everything you need to know about the upcoming Manchester derby. Betting insights, previews of the two teams and our United vs City prediction – its everything you need to know ahead of this titanic clash. And don't miss out on the chance to win big with the top football betting sportsbooks!

Ryan Liberty
Ryan Liberty

Last Updated: 2024-12-04

Chad Nagel

6 minutes read

Ilkay Guendogan of Manchester City celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's second goal

Ilkay Guendogan celebrates with teammates//Getty Images

Manchester City v Manchester United Match Details

  1. Date: Sunday, 15th December 2024 

  2. Kickoff Time: 18:30

  3. Location: Etihad Stadium

  4. Last Meeting: Manchester City 3–1 Manchester United

Pre-Game Odds and Win Probability – City Firm Favourites

  1. Home: 79/100 (1.79) – 55,9%

  2. Draw: 59/20 (3.95) – 25,3%

  3. Away: 16/5 (4.20) – 23,8%

  4. *Forecast Odds

Head-To-Head Record

Last five meetings (Premier League)

  1. 03/03/2024: Manchester City 3–1 Manchester United

  2. 29/10/2023: Manchester United 0–3 Manchester City

  3. 14/01/2023: Manchester United 2–1 Manchester City

  4. 02/10/2022: Manchester City 6–3 Manchester United

  5. 06/03/2022: Manchester City 4-1 Manchester United

Manchester City Current Form - LDLLL

Enough has been made of Manchester City and their struggle to find consistent performances in recent weeks. It has been interesting to watch the way in which those players have had to deal with a negative connotation surrounding their camp at the moment. All of a sudden, the media isn’t singing their praises and Pep Guardiola is being put under a bit of pressure in the press conferences. 

Guardiola continues to mention the fact that his players lack confidence, but when you place that in context it is quite a statement to make. These players have dominated English football for the past few years. They have been almost untouchable for the most part of that time as well! You are now talking about a few weeks of blowing hot and cold and suddenly you have to claw your way back to the summit of the league table.

Key Players to Watch

  • Erling Haaland: He might not have had his shooting boots on as tightly this season, but Haaland remains an incredible finisher and prolific striker. He will want to make a statement here and justifies being highlighted.
  • Stefan Ortega: Whether he starts or not is another question, but neither he nor Ederson have really been able to string a run of good performances together. For the first time in a while the keeper position at City is up for grabs. 
    Why mention Ortega then? He has shown a willingness to play with a degree of edginess and aggression. In a side supposedly low on confidence (even if it is a touch) those are great aspects to have.
  • Ruben Dias: We’re not sure he has received the necessary plaudits for his performances – especially since Rodri has been injured. City have prided themselves on having deep-lying players step the ball up and drive their attack forward…look no further then.

Manchester City Team News

At the time of writing, City are without Oscar Bob (Broken leg) and Rodri (Knee Injury) for this match. 

Manchester United Current Form - WWDWW

Manchester United continue to attract a lot of hype in the media. The way in which they have begun to play has attracted a few admirers and even the odd notable mention – but you simply cannot escape the fact that Ruben Amorim needs time. 

Adopting his favoured 3-4-3 approach, there might be a clear identity, but whether or not Casemiro and Christian Eriksen can play those midfield roles for a prolonged period remains to be seen. Has the manager bounce begun to wear off at Old Trafford? Irrespective, Amorim has already endeared himself to fans and if he continues to show improvement, he might just be afforded the time a manager requires at United.

Key Players to Watch

  • Andre Onana: A lot was said about Onana when he joined United, but he looks to have now settled down and adapted to the league well. He might still be a little static in his rotation of the ball, but you cannot question his shot-stopping ability and the contribution he has made to United so far this season.
  • Amad Diallo: After the game against Everton, Ruben Amorim mentioned that he has simply enjoyed the reward of what Ruud van Nistelroy had done with Amad. There was never any doubt around Amad’s ability, but now that he is playing with a great confidence and belief he looks to be absolutely lethal on the United wing.
  • Rasmus Hojlund: He is a big powerful striker, and he certainly has goals in him. Amorim seems happy to rotate his squad, but given the fact that Rasmus is getting on the score card and playing with a degree of self-confidence and belief – you might just begin to get the best out of him. 

Manchester United Team News

United are expected to be without Johnny Evans (Unknown) and Victor Lindelof (Groin Injury).

Predicted Line-Up

  1. Manchester City: 4-2-3-1: Ortega, Walker, Akanji, Dias, Ake, Lewis, Gundogan, Silva, Foden, Nunes, Haaland.

  2. Manchester United: 3-4-2-1: Onana, Martinez, de Light, Mazraoui, Diallo, Mainoo, Casemiro, Dalot, Fernandes, Rashford, Hojlund

Suggested Bets

Our betting suggestions and City vs United prediction are outlined below.

  1. Draw: City have shown this year that their inconsistency isn’t something that have managed to eradicate from their game. Furthermore, they have been vulnerable to teams who are happy to take them on and ask questions of their defensive shape.

    From United’s perspective, their inability to keep a clean sheet alludes everyone and so a draw seems to be a runner here. (59/20 – Forecast odds.)

  2. Both Teams to Score: The team with one of the league’s worst defensive records for expected chances conceded, faces the side still somewhat coming to grips with their defensive shape and transition. It’s a dream encounter for both attacking teams’ players. (9/10 - Forecast odds.)

  3. Over 2.5 Goals: A reasonably open game is expected, neither side have shown you can trust their defensive abilities and so over 2.5 goals come into the equation. (7/10 - Forecast odds.)

Value Bets

  1. Both Teams to Score + Over 2.5 Goals: Expect an open game at the Etihad. Neither side have shown any real propensity for defensive stability, and both of them are vulnerable to transition moments. Couple all of that with two teams who hold powerful attacking options and all of a sudden both teams scoring and over 2.5 goals seem like a banker. (13/10 – Forecast odds.)

  2. 1st Ten Minutes (Manchester United): United under Amorim have gotten off to absolute flyers. Their press is really aggressive, and they look to get at their opponents early on. This is a derby; emotion will be that much higher - back the Reds to be leading in the first ten minutes! (5/1 – Forecast odds.)

  3. Marcus Rashford Anytime Goal Scorer: Marcus Rashford looks to have a new lease on life under Ruben Amorim. The English international has settled well and has begun to look like he is headed toward his best once again. Back Rashford to score at (3/1 – Forecast odds.)

Prediction: Draw

If it looks like a draw, smells like a draw and sounds like a draw – it’s probably a draw. That is certainly the case here, neither side have dominated coming into this one and whilst their weaknesses are aligned, they both hold weapons that can inflict serious bodily harm. 

Back the draw here.

Ryan Liberty
Ryan LibertySports 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.