Manchester City vs Manchester United 2025/26 Premier League Bet Builder & Predictions
Manchester City vs Manchester United at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon sets the stage for a high-stakes Premier League clash between two fierce rivals. Our football betting expert anticipates a competitive match with a Manchester City win, over 2.5 goals, and both teams to score.
Team News and Context
Manchester City enter the derby with a significant injury list, although some key players may return in time. Omar Marmoush and Rayan Cherki are confirmed to be out, with Mateo Kovacic also unavailable. However, there is positive news as Savinho, Phil Foden, Josko Gvardiol, and others have returned to training. New signing Gianluigi Donnarumma could make his debut in goal. Manchester United also have their share of injury concerns. Lisandro Martínez is a long-term absentee, while Matheus Cunha and Mason Mount are doubts after picking up knocks in their last match against Burnley. New goalkeeper Senne Lammens could be in line for his first start.
Recent Form
Manchester City have had a stuttering start to their Premier League campaign, with one win and two losses from their opening three matches. They began with an impressive 4-0 victory away at Wolverhampton Wanderers but followed that with consecutive defeats to Tottenham Hotspur (0-2) and Brighton & Hove Albion (1-2).
Manchester United’s form has been inconsistent, with one win, one draw, and one loss in the league. They started with a 1-0 defeat at home to Arsenal, followed by a 1-1 draw at Fulham. Their most recent result was a dramatic 3-2 home victory over Burnley, secured by a late Bruno Fernandes penalty.
Head to Head and Current Standings
Historically, Manchester United holds the edge in the head-to-head record, with 80 wins to Manchester City’s 62, and 54 draws. However, in recent years, City has been the more dominant force in the derby. In their last five Premier League encounters, City have won three, with United winning two.
Last season, the Red Devils had the upper hand, with United winning 2-1 at the Etihad in December 2024, followed by a 0-0 draw at Old Trafford in April 2025.
This season, after three games, Manchester United sit 9th in the table with four points, while Manchester City are in 13th place with three points.
Key Players to Watch
For Manchester City, the form of Erling Haaland will be crucial. The Norwegian striker has already netted three goals this season. The potential return of Phil Foden from injury could also provide a significant creative boost for Pep Guardiola’s side.
Manchester United will look to their captain, Bruno Fernandes, for inspiration. His late penalty secured their first win of the season, and his creativity will be vital. The performances of new signings such as Bryan Mbeumo, who has already opened his account for the club, will also be under scrutiny.
Match Prediction and Betting Tips
Given Manchester City’s strong recent record in the derby at the Etihad and Manchester United’s inconsistent start to the season, a home win appears the most likely outcome. Both teams have shown defensive vulnerabilities, which suggests there could be goals in the game.
Our football betting tips for Manchester City vs Manchester United are:
Manchester City to Win (4/5): Despite their recent poor form, City’s quality and home advantage should see them edge out their rivals.
Over 2.5 Goals (4/6): Both sides possess significant attacking threats and have been susceptible to conceding goals, making a high-scoring encounter probable.
Both Teams to Score (8/11): With attacking talent on both sides and defensive frailties apparent, it is likely that both teams will find the back of the net.
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