Manchester City vs Manchester United: EPL Predictions & Best Bets (12/15)

The Manchester Derby is taking place this weekend at the Etihad Stadium, as City hosts United in the clubs first meeting since the Community Shield in August. Both teams have struggled severely as of late, and yearn for a positive result in this match. Things have gone City’s way in the past two EPL matchups between these teams, but can Manchester United catch their hosts in a bad spot?

Manchester City have one win in their last 10 matches overall. Rodri is out for the season, and although Kevin de Bruyne is back in the lineup, they are not playing well at all. They were just shutout by Juventus in the UCL this week, along with playing Palace to a 2-2 draw their last EPL match. The only thing City has going for them in this contest is the fact that they are the home team. However, in a Derby match, nothing comes easy.

Manchester United are currently 13th in the EPL standings. They won in their Europa League match this week, but have lost their last two in league play. They do not play well on the road, with only two away wins all season long, but this is obviously a game they have circled each year. Can they take down their Big Brother today?

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Manchester City vs Manchester United: Derby at the Etihad

Matchup Information – Manchester City vs Manchester United

• Venue & Location: Etihad Stadium (Manchester, England)
• Date: Sunday, December 15th, 2024
• Kick Off: 11:30am Eastern
• Broadcast: USA Network

Betting Odds

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Money Line

• Manchester City -159
• Draw +358
• Manchester United +393

Spread

• Manchester City -1 (+105)
• Manchester United +1 (-121)

Total

• Over 3.5 (+114)
• Under 3.5 (-140)

Can City Stop the Skid at Home in the Derby?

Like I said, Manchester City has not been good at all. However, they are still just one point out of 4th place in the EPL, 3 points out of 3rd place, and being at home in the Derby is always a good thing. Their Belgian stud, De Bruyne, is back on the pitch, and made an immediate impact with a goal and an assist in City’s win over Forest 10 days ago. If he can get going and fill in the midfield, I certainly trust Manchester City’s attack to find a new life.

As for Manchester United, they REALLY can’t play on the road. As I stated earlier, they have just two road wins all season long. They had one this week against Viktoria Plzen (Who?) and another back in September against Southampton (Currently last on the EPL table). Not very impressive away from Old Trafford.

In EPL play, United has just six points on the road, with their Southampton win and three draws against very inferior teams. Although this is a rivalry match, it’s tough for me to imagine Manchester United pulling out a win. Especially considering they got the best of City in the FA Cup back in May.

Manchester City vs Manchester United Best Bets

Manchester City vs Manchester United Prediction: Manchester City Wins 2-0 (+1000)

Best Bet: Manchester City -1 (+105) BetOnline

Sure, they haven’t been playing the prettiest soccer. But in a Derby matchup, I trust them to come with their best. They’ve let United get the best of them the past two times they’ve met, even though results were split. However, in EPL play, Manchester City has dominated the last couple meetings, winning by 2 or more in both contests. I see them using this game as an opportunity to get themselves right, pick up 3 points, and put themselves firmly back in the Top 4 discussion.

Call it a get right spot or an opportunity to bounce back at home, I see Man City doing just that in this rivalry match. For plus money and push potential, I’ll happily back the home team in the Derby.

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