League leaders and defending EPL champions Manchester City welcome their Manchester rivals in the highlight Premier League fixture of the weekend schedule.
Read on for our free English Premier League match preview, predictions, analysis, and soccer picks.
Manchester City FC vs. Manchester United FC
Sunday, March 06, 2022 – 11:30 AM EST at Etihad Stadium
The most anticipated Premier League fixture of the weekend will play out at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday morning when Manchester City host Manchester United in the historic Manchester Derby.
Both teams are topping the EPL table, but it’s the defending champions in blue who’re comfortably 19 points ahead of their opponents this weekend. In contrast, the Red Devils hope to keep a top-four position and continue their pursuit for a Champions League placement next term.
Form, Mentality, Premier League Statistics and Trends
⦁ Manchester City has scored at least 1 goal in their last 22 matches.
⦁ Manchester City has netted 34 goals in their previous 11 home games.
⦁ Manchester United has scored in all of their away games this season.
⦁ Manchester United has won four of their last five trips to the Etihad.
Manchester Derby to Take the Spotlight
In their pursuit to win consecutive EPL titles, there’s no denying the rich talent that Manchester City has displayed this season. However, in recent weeks, we’ve witnessed a lesser composed team who’ve delivered a handful of surprising results.
Last weekend, the Citizens traveled to Goodison Park, where they were expected to wipe the floor with a struggling Everton squad. And despite walking away with a 1-0 victory and all three points, a VAR decision saved the blue side of Manchester from another disappointing result.
The week prior saw Pep Guardiola’s side lose 2-3 to a visiting Tottenham Hotspur, so as the league leaders return to the Etihad, they’ll want to erase the memories of what happened the last time they defended their home turf.
Manchester United’s grasp of the 4th-placed EPL table position is under attack, as both West Ham and Arsenal are a handful of points short of replacing the Red Devils. Last weekend, a drawn fixture with bottom dwellers Watford didn’t help, as Ralf Rangnick and company will seek to get back on track this Sunday.
Expect the Unexpected
The reverse fixture at Old Trafford earlier this season saw Pep Guardiola’s men sail to a 2-0 victory, but we can’t neglect the historic success the Red Devils have had when making the small road trip to the Etihad. Winning 4 of their previous 5 away fixtures in the Manchester derby will undoubtedly give United a confidence edge. Still, if last weekend’s form isn’t highlighted, their impressive record won’t count for anything.
While possessing both the talent and historical success at the Etihad, it wouldn’t be surprising to witness Manchester United deliver another shock result. Obviously, the title race for the visiting side isn’t worth mentioning, but the likes of Fernandes, Sancho, and Ronaldo will be happy to dampen their rival’s chance of lifting the title.
Outside of their recent loss to Tottenham, City has dominated almost every team put in front of them and will enter this class with a completely fit squad. With that said, this meeting rarely provides the result we expect, so be prepared for the unpredictable.
Final Thoughts | Premier League Betting Picks and Odds
The Premier League odds on the Manchester United moneyline are utterly disrespectful.
While I understand the home team’s dominance has been prevalent this season, past results of this meeting do not reflect well in a +700 price tag on the Red Devils given by the top-rated sportsbooks.
I believe it’s entirely possible the Citizens could hand United a whooping on Sunday; I’m expecting more of a close encounter to take place. For this reason…
Soccer Pick: Halftime Draw (+160) at Bet365
Soccer Pick: Under 2.5 Goals (+137) at Bet365
Correct Score Pick: 1-1 (+900) at Bet365
