Man City vs Man Utd: Tips, Odds, and Match Preview

Even though Manchester City haven’t looked like the same dominant force they were two years ago, and Manchester United haven’t been a relevant side in the Premier League for quite some time, this Manchester derby continues to be an exquisite source for world-class talent from both sides.

This time, these fierce rivals will collide at the Etihad Stadium, where City will aim to snap their two-game losing streak in league play while Manchester United, who are undefeated in their last four against City in all competitions, will look to start a winning run of their own.

Pep Guardiola Getting Into Crisis Mode?

It’s safe to say this isn’t the start of the season that Pep Guardiola had planned when he attempted a summer squad rebuild. Despite signing Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Ait-Nouri and Rayan Cherki, the Cityzens have dropped two of their first three EPL matches in 2025-26. They kicked things off with a 4-0 win over Wolverhampton, but followed that impressive display with back-to-back losses to Tottenham and Brighton.

It's easy to see the team needs to improve defensively after their recent displays, and maybe that’s why City rushed to replace Ederson, who hadn’t played a single EPL game this season, with Gianluigi Donnarumma. The Italy international is expected to make his City debut in this derby, and City should experience a huge upgrade between the posts with the Italian replacing James Trafford. It remains to be seen if that will be enough for a turnaround, but with Erling Haaland in top form, City will always remain a threat.

Manchester City Injury & Suspension News

The Cityzens will be without Omar Marmoush (knee) for this one, while long-term absentees Rayan Cherki (quadriceps) and Mateo Kovacic (Achilles) will also sit out this derby.

Savinho, Rico Lewis, John Stones and Nico O’Reilly have all been tabbed as game-time decisions for this game due to undisclosed injuries. Abdukodir Khusanov (calf), Josko Gvardiol (calf) and Phil Foden (undisclosed) are also expected to be assessed closer to Sunday’s kick-off.

Ruben Amorim Dreaming of Starting Winning Run

Manchester United have also endured a rocky start to the 2025-26 Premier League with only one win across their first three matches (W1, D1, L1). However, they deserved better luck in the loss to Arsenal and should’ve won against Fulham, so the four-point tally isn’t a fair reflection of what the team has done of late – even when including their ugly loss to Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup.

Manchester United are ready to start their first winning run of the 2025-26 campaign, and what better way to accomplish that goal than doing so against their bitter rivals? For that to happen, though, United must address their defensive woes. They’ve yet to keep a clean sheet in four competitive matches in 2025-26, and the underlying numbers suggest tightening things at the back could be enough for a turnaround since they’ve outscored their rivals in the xG department so far (6.77 to 4.12).

Manchester United Injury & Suspension News

Matheus Cunha (hamstring) won’t be available for Manchester United, as is Lisandro Martinez (knee). Mason Mount (muscular) is also expected to be sidelined.

Man City vs Man United Prediction

Manchester City are the favorites ahead of this clash and should be able to secure the three points here. However, it wouldn’t be shocking if the Red Devils escape with at least a point and avoid defeat against their rivals – again. Manchester United are undefeated in their last four competitive fixtures against their fierce rivals (W2, D2), and when analyzing City’s current defensive issues and United’s solid chance-creating numbers, a scenario in which Man United take something out of this game looks entirely possible.

CryptoGamba tip: Manchester United double chance – 2.05 @ Stake