Manchester United — Manchester City Prediction, H2H and Probable Lineups — 17 January 2026
On January 17, 2026, in Matchday 22 of the English Premier League, Manchester United will host Manchester City. The match is set to kick off at 13:30 Central European Time. Let’s take a closer look at the potential outcome of this clash.
Manchester United
Manchester United are going through a difficult period. Poor results in recent league matches forced the club’s management to change the head coach, but so far the decision has not delivered the desired effect. In their latest match, United were knocked out of the FA Cup after a 1–2 home defeat to Brighton, extending their winless run to four games.
In the Premier League, United have drawn their last three matches against Wolverhampton, Leeds, and Burnley — all teams from the lower half of the table. Overall, their form remains unconvincing, with just one win, two defeats, and four draws in their last seven matches across all competitions.
Despite these struggles, United are still relatively well positioned in the standings, sitting on 32 points and only three points off the Champions League zone. However, their home form is worrying, with just one win in their last five matches at Old Trafford. Defensive issues remain a major concern, as the team have conceded 32 goals while scoring 36.
In head-to-head meetings with Manchester City at Old Trafford, the numbers also favor the visitors. United have won only one of their last six home derbies, losing three and drawing two.
Manchester City
Manchester City, by contrast, are in very solid form and have been far more successful this season than in the previous one. The team are currently on a 13-match unbeaten run across all competitions, with 10 wins and 3 draws. Their last defeat came in late November, when they lost to Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League.
In domestic cups, City have been convincing. They cruised past Exeter 10–1 in the FA Cup and defeated Newcastle 2–0 away from home in the first leg of the EFL Cup semi-final, putting themselves in a strong position to reach the final.
In the Premier League, however, City have gone three matches without a win, drawing against Sunderland, Chelsea, and Brighton. As a result, Arsenal have pulled clear at the top, with City now second, six points behind the leaders. Despite this, City remain the league’s most prolific side, having scored 45 goals.
Away from home, City continue to perform confidently, winning five of their last six matches across all competitions. In the Champions League, the situation is also positive, with City sitting fourth in the standings and having strong chances of reaching the Round of 16.
In head-to-head meetings, City won the most recent Manchester derby earlier this season with a convincing 3–0 home victory. Overall, recent derbies have been fairly balanced: in the last six meetings, each side has won twice, with two draws. Five of those matches finished with over 2.5 goals, and both teams scored in four.
Probable Lineups
- Manchester United: Lammens, Shaw, Martinez, Yoro, Dalot, Casemiro, Ugarte, Dorgu, Cunha, Fernandes, Sesko
- Manchester City: Donnarumma, Alleyne, Nunes, O'Reilly, Khusanov, Rodri, Semenyo, Bernardo, Foden, Cherki, Haaland
Key Facts and Head-to-Head
- Manchester United have won or drawn 8 of their last 10 matches.
- 9 of Manchester United’s last 10 matches, both teams scored.
- Manchester City are unbeaten in their last 13 matches.
- Manchester City have won 5 of their last 6 away matches.
- Manchester City have scored first in 8 of their last 9 matches.
- Manchester City have won or drawn 6 of the last 8 head-to-head meetings.
Manchester United — Manchester City Prediction
Ahead of this high-profile derby, the two teams approach the match in very different form and mood. Manchester United are once again going through a difficult period: they are winless in four consecutive matches, have recently changed their head coach, and have already been eliminated from both domestic cup competitions, while still remaining relatively close to the European qualification places. Manchester City, by contrast, look very solid this season. The team continue to perform confidently across all competitions, both in England and in Europe. City have already shown their superiority this season with a convincing home win over United. However, if we look at the rivalry as a whole, recent derbies have been fairly balanced. Derby matches between these sides are often open and high-scoring, frequently finishing with over 2.5 goals. Taking into account the current form of both teams, the intensity and importance of this fixture, United’s motivation to end their negative run, City’s strong momentum, and United’s defensive issues, all signs point toward a dynamic and entertaining game with plenty of chances and goals. My bet for this match: Both Teams to Score — Yes at odds of 1.49.
