Since their defeat by City, Man United has had much to be happy about. Erik ten Hag has led his team on an impressive run of form, losing just one of their last 18 competitive games (a 3-1 loss at Aston Villa in early November) and winning all six of their games since the World Cup break.
The most recent victory for United was in the EFL Cup, where they defeated Charlton Athletic 3-0 at home on Tuesday night to advance to the semifinals. Summer signing Antony and in-form attacker Marcus Rashford both scored goals.
The Red Devils have now won 20 of their first 27 competitive games under Ten Hag, who needed fewer games than any other manager in club history to reach this milestone. A top-four finish in the Premier League and domestic cup success are now firmly in their sights for this season thanks to the Dutchman, who appears to have restored faith at the Theatre of Dreams!
Many would have predicted that Man City would easily defeat Southampton in the EFL Cup quarterfinals on Wednesday night after cruising to a 4-0 victory over Chelsea in the FA Cup third round last weekend.
The Saints defeated the Citizens 2-0 though, and the Citizens were without a shot on goal for the entire 90 minutes for the first time in 275 games since a 3-0 Champions League defeat to Liverpool in April 2018!
Guardiola will want his team to rebound in what will be his 500th top-flight game as a coach on Saturday – his 246th in charge of Man City – as they attempt to close the five-point gap that currently separates them from Arsenal at the top of the Premier League. The hopes of an unprecedented quadruple are now over for this season
The defending champions of the top division have seen their usually high standards slip a little in recent weeks. They have lost eight points in as many league games and have failed to score in four of their last seven away games overall.
However, Guardiola’s team will look forward to travelling to Man United on derby day after winning nine of their previous 14 matches there, including their illustrious 6-1 league victory in October 2011!
1×2 Betting Odds
After the thrilling nine-goal game in October, the Manchester derby on Saturday has a lot to live up to. This time, however, a closer game is to be expected given Man United’s recent notable improvements.
To put pressure on Arsenal at the top of the Premier League, Man City typically bounces back quickly from losses, and with a number of star players expected to be recalled to the starting lineup, we can see Guardiola’s team picking up three crucial victories!
And the betting market agrees!
Despite have an excellent recent form, Manchester United are not the favourites to win against their local rivals @ 4.35.
Since the break, Manchester City haven’t been at their absolute best, but their market odds make them the favourites on their trip to Old Trafford @ 1.88.
The possibility of a draw, and advantage Arsenal, stands @ 4.15!
Total goals over/under
The odds that the total number of goals scored will be over 2.5, stands @ 1.78.
While the odds that the total number of goals will be under 2.5, stands @ 2.31.
Usually, when Manchester City are involved, it is expected that they will score plenty of goals!
The Manchester derby would be no different, but on the other hand, also expect that United will get on the score sheet too!
