Manchester City (13-4-4) and Manchester United (8-5-8) will face off today at 7:30 a.m. EST at Old Trafford in Manchester, England.
Man City is a 51-cent favorite to win at Fanatics Markets, with the over/under set at 3 (-135o / +100u) goals.
Let's get into my Man City vs. Man U prediction.
Man City vs. Man U Prediction
Picks: Both Teams To Score & Over 2.5 Goals
My Man City vs. Man U best bets are that both teams will score and that the total will exceed 2.5 goals, a combination that reflects the offensive strengths and defensive questions on both sides.
Man City vs. Man U Odds
Man City vs. Man U Picks, Parlay
Picks: Both Teams To Score & Over 2.5 Goals (-139)
This Manchester City vs Manchester United pick is rooted in the clear offensive identity of both clubs. Manchester United’s attack underwent a significant rebuild, which has paid dividends.
The club averages 1.71 goals per game, the third-highest mark in the Premier League. The underlying data support this output; their expected goals (xG) figure of 38.34 ranks as the second-best in the entire division. This offensive firepower should be enough to challenge the City defense.
However, United’s defensive record is a major concern. The team has managed just one clean sheet in its last 10 league contests.
This match also marks the first for interim manager Michael Carrick, who will likely encourage an aggressive, forward-thinking style that could lead to more goals at both ends of the field.
Manchester City presents an even greater offensive threat. Their xG of 40.24 is the best in the Premier League, and they have surpassed it with an impressive 45 goals. While they chase the title, their defense on the road has been vulnerable.
City has secured only three clean sheets in their last nine Premier League away fixtures, which creates an opening for a potent United attack to find the net.
Man City vs. Man U Projections
Projected Chance of Winning
| Man City | Draw | Man U |
|---|---|---|
| 47.1% | 21.9% | 31.0% |
Projected Total Goals
| Man City | Total Goals | Man U |
|---|---|---|
| 1.75 | 3.15 | 1.40 |
Man City vs. Man U Betting Analysis
This derby arrives at a critical juncture for both teams. Manchester City enters this game after three consecutive draws in league play, a stretch that has cost them ground in the title race.
With rivals Arsenal ahead, Pep Guardiola’s side cannot afford to drop more points. The pressure is on, and the recent acquisition of Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth —who already scored on his debut— signals the club’s intent to bolster its attack for the season's final push.
For Manchester United, this match represents a new chapter. Michael Carrick takes charge for his first game as interim manager, tasked with salvaging a season that has seen United fall to seventh place.
Carrick’s objective is a top-six finish to secure European competition for next season. He inherits a team that was convincingly defeated 3-0 by City earlier in the season and will need an immediate response.
Historically, this fixture produces goals. While the last meeting at Old Trafford ended in a 0-0 stalemate, the average over the last 10 head-to-head encounters is a high 3.3 goals per game.
United has also found recent success against their rivals, with two wins and a draw in the last five meetings across all competitions. This includes a notable 2-1 FA Cup final victory last season, where United entered as heavy underdogs.
This history, combined with the current offensive form of both squads, points toward an open and high-scoring contest.
Check out the best soccer odds before making your Manchester City vs Manchester United picks.
