Manchester United vs Manchester City: Preview, Odds and Betting Tips - 29/10/2023 (Premier League)

Big test for Manchester United defence

________________________________________

The Manchester derby, Manchester United vs Manchester City, is here again. The first of the two statutory derbies in the league will take place at Old Trafford, where Manchester United have not found much success in the 2023/24 season. 

Derby games do not respect form because of the rivalry involved but this match could not have come at a worse time for both teams.

Manchester United went into the October 2023 international break with a big morale-boosting win, coming back from one goal down to beat Brentford at Old Trafford.

Manchester City, meanwhile, went into the break with two losses on the bounce and a run of three games where their Talismanic striker, Erling Haaland, failed to find the back of the net.

Their return from the break was also not the best.

Sheffield United hosted the Red Devils at Bramall Lane and almost bagged a famous point before Diogo Dalot scored one of the contenders for goal of the season to seal all three points for United. Both of their goals were scored by traditionally non-attacking players, which is a cause of worry for Erik ten Hag.

Manchester City, on the other hand, started well against Brighton and Hove Albion, and Erling Haaland got back among the goals. However, they were almost caught off guard by a late Brighton charge but held on to keep all three points at the Etihad.

As important as this derby game is to their rivalry, it is currently more important to their Premier League hopes. Erik ten Hag and Pep Guardiola are not looking forward to facing each other but will be at their wits end in tactical decisions before the game, which will go out of their control once the degree blows his whistle.

Betting fans are wondering how to stake on this game. A look at their form guides will provide an insight into the Manchester United vs Manchester City game.

Form Guide: Manchester United

Manchester United have three wins and two losses from their last five Premier League outings. Both losses came at home to Brighton and Crystal Palace.

In that time, they also played one EFL Cup game and two UEFA Champions League games. All games were at home but the advantage was not enough in Europe's elite competition as Turkish club Galatasaray defeated the Red Devils in front of their screaming fans.

They are currently bouncing around in their form which is not a good place to be when facing Manchester City. What is most worrisome, however, is how little goals their attack have contributed to their results in this time.

Their goal difference is the worst in the top 10, which also means their defence struggles.

Form Guide: Manchester City

Manchester City have the same form as Manchester United: three wins and two losses from their last five Premier League outings. What is peculiar, however, is that both losses were away from the Etihad.

In that time, City also lost away to Newcastle United at St. James' Park in the EFL Cup. This run of games will surely be ringing alarm bells in Pep Guardiola's head as his first meeting with ten Hag this season is away at Old Trafford.

One thing that he can count on as a positive is that Manchester City have not conceded many goals in that time. They have conceded five goals in their last five Premier League games, which, compared to Manchester United's six goals conceded in the same time, shows that they are in a better place.

Attacking wise, they also have Haaland and Julian Alvarez both firing with enough scoring support from other areas of the pitch.

What to expect from the match

Form is thrown out of the window in derbies and Manchester United vs Manchester City is no different. Both teams will attack and defend with their lives, a point which bettors will do well to pay attention to for in-play betting.

Having UEFA Champions League games in midweek before the clash could slow the game down a little but it will be a brilliant watch.

The Cityzens will battle in the middle of the park with the Red Devils' tough tackling midfield lineup. The absence of Kevin De Bruyne could be a key factor in the game.

Goalkeepers Ederson and André Onana will be equally busy with their hands and feet as they will be employed often for ball retention and distribution purposes, as well as attack nullification through saves and other base goalkeeping actions.

We also predict that the first team to score in this match will win the tie.

Betting predictions

Erling Haaland anytime scorer

Haaland's goalscoring is suspect at the moment but he remains the most prolific and most dangerous striker in the Premier League. He has also bagged a few against United and will be looking to do so again in the first Manchester derby of the 2023/24 season. The likelihood of the Norwegian getting a goal in this game is high.

Over 2.5 goals

Both teams have not played under 2.5 goals since November 2021 when City won 2 - 0 at Old Trafford. Their least total goals scored by either side from their last four games is three (2 - 1 in favour of City). Their current form also indicates that both teams are more than likely to concede. Both teams will come out gloves off against each other in this tie because of their rivalry, which means that they will end up scoring a total that is above two goals in the game.

William Hill is offering 1.61 odds for at least three goals to be scored.

Manchester City win or draw

Their last ten clashes have seen City come out with five wins and a draw. Narrowing it down to their last five games, City has come away with four wins and a loss. The loss was at Old Trafford, venue of this clash. Better judgement, however, suggests that things are not the same and that Manchester City will leave the Theatre of Dreams with something. A win or a draw is the best result for City and the best option for punters to select.

William Hill is offering 1.30 odds for Man City to avoid defeat at Old Trafford.

All odds are via William Hill and all info valid as of the time of writing.

Odds could differ now.