Manchester derby promises goals: Manchester United vs Manchester City prediction
The Premier League fourth-round match between Manchester United and Manchester City will take place on 13 September at Old Trafford. The hosts have collected four points from three rounds, while Enzo Maresca's side have won all of their opening league matches. Here is our prediction for the latest Manchester derby.
Manchester United: attack is working, but defence is letting them down
Michael Carrick's side began the season with a 2-0 defeat to Hull before thrashing Ipswich 5-2 and drawing 2-2 with Everton. United have therefore conceded two goals in each of their first three league matches.
The hosts received a welcome boost ahead of the derby with a convincing 4-0 Champions League victory over Sabah. It was their first clean sheet of the season, while the attack has scored at least two goals in three consecutive matches.
Manchester City: perfect start and Haaland in excellent form
City have won all three of their opening Premier League matches: 2-1 against Bournemouth, 4-1 against Crystal Palace and 1-0 against Coventry. They also beat Porto 2-0 in the Champions League during the week.
Erling Haaland remains the main attacking threat after scoring twice in Portugal, while he has eight goals in seven league matches against Manchester United. However, the Norwegian has scored only twice at Old Trafford.
Match facts and head-to-head record
- Manchester City have won all three of their opening Premier League matches.
- Both teams have registered 19 shots on target over the opening three rounds — the highest total in the league.
- City have won only one of their last four Premier League matches against Manchester United.
The rivals can exchange goals and points: Manchester United vs Manchester City prediction
United are dangerous going forward, especially at home, but they are still allowing opponents too many opportunities around their own goal. City have been more consistent and are in better form, although recent derbies have shown that being favourites does not always decide the outcome.
Both teams possess plenty of attacking quality, and the start of the season has already shown their ability to create a high number of chances. A high-scoring draw therefore looks like a very plausible scenario.
