Can you believe it!? Last week we correctly predicted that it would be a draw, and that Gerrard and Hernandez would score!
Another week, another massive match! Fresh from a tough away trip to Romania, and last Saturday’s 90 minutes against Liverpool, United face their main title rivals. Whilst Manchester United will benefit from playing at home, Manchester City can be thankful that their Champions League match on Tuesday was played at the Etihad Stadium, with the players returning to their own beds away from the gruelling away-day routine. And it’s that freshness that will make this match a hard one to call.
Undoubtedly Sir Alex Ferguson will freshen up his team from the one that played against Olegati, with Rio Ferdinand set to return to partner Nemanja Vidic in the centre of defence. In midfield, we’re expecting the tireless Darren Fletcher to be teamed up with Giggs, who has a habit of performing well in Derby matches, with Nani and Ashley Young providing the attacking threat down the wings.
In spite of Michael Owen’s derby-day heroics in previous matches, expect to see him starting on the bench (alongside Berbs), with Rooney and Hernandez trying to create chances against a backline that have conceded just 6 goals all season.
In terms of experience United probably have the upper-hand, but in reality the quality of the players Manchester City have at their disposal shoudl narrow that to only the slightest of margins. David Silva, Sergio Aguero and Mario Balotelli are all capable of changing the game in an instant, whilst the back-line is shielded by the gargantuan Yaya Toure and hard-working Gareth Barry.
All in all, it has the makings of another 4-3 classic, especially now that City play a much more expansive and attacking football. It’s a close one to call.
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RESULT BET
It WILL be close, but we think that home advantage will hand United the edge. They are available at 2.0, which is great value for a game at Old Trafford (Paddy Power). If we had to pick a score, we’d be looking at something like 3-2 (at a massive 21.5 at Ladbrokes), but getting the right result will be tough enough!
BEST BET
Though we’re backing United to win, we still think City will score. You could back both teams to score (at 1.57 with PaddyPower), but we think the smarter money is on Sergio Aguero – as United fans we hate to say it, but he looks great at the moment, and if anyone is going to score, we think it will be him (at 2.4 with Bet Clic).
Who are you backing? Post your bets below and let us know your success stories!