Manchester United vs. Manchester City and Pick to Win
Date:Thursday, April 27th 2016
Where: English Premier League Etihad Stadium – Manchester, UK
by Keith, Professional Soccer/Football Handicapper, Predictem
Match Odds: Manchester United 7/2, Draw 14/5, Manchester City 10/11
Moneyline: Manchester United +350, Draw +280, Manchester City -110
Over/Under Best Market: UNDER 2.5 10/11 -110
This edition of the Manchester Derby could be one of 2017s biggest games and is undoubtedly this weeks match of focus across Europe. The Battle of Manchester features two Premier League teams embroiled in cross-city acrimony, Manchester United and Manchester City. The two squared off in an early season collision that had many more implications than cross-city bragging rights at Old Trafford where the Blues came out with the win under Pep Guardiola. Now, both squads find themselves jostling for position in the Premier League table in fourth and fifth place. United enters ton of momentum and to the victor goes an inside path to the Champions League. Manchester City was stunned by Arsenal in a 2-1 loss against Arsenal. For Manchester City in particular this game is virtually a must win as they will fall behind the Red Devils by two points if they were to loss. Given the spirit of this feud, both teams will be playing for the win. Given the fact the Red Devils have games in hand on Liverpool, a win here can potentially lead to a finish in third place if they foster favorable results the rest of the way.
Both Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho have a spirited rivalry, that has been documented back to their days in Spain and now the embers have rekindled in the North West of England, yet again. The first meeting between the two had implications and this one has even bigger stakes. Despite some early season hiccups, Jose Mourinho and Zlatan Ibrahimovic have lived up to the billing. Red Devils supporters are jubilant still off a 2-0 victory led by their breakout star, forward Marcus Rashford. United has the depth and talent to attack from all angles but if there was a team that actually matches up well with this squad on paper, or perhaps maybe even better it is their rivals across town, Manchester City.
Manchester City could have easily been caught looking ahead to their collision with Manchester United as they were likely caught off guard by an ailing Arsenal team looking for a statement victory since hitting a nasty skid. The fact remain that City has a plethora of tools in their chest and they are have been relishing the opportunity to square off with their cross-city rivals. Both teams are engaged in this one with so much at stake in recent occasions. For City this is a moment they have been certainly been waiting for as they get a chance to depose a villain that could ultimately cost them a chance at returning to Europe, when they will play host to Manchester United.
If Manchester City were conservative they would play this one close to the hip and try to get out of here with a draw. However, given the blight of the home crowd towards their cross-city rivals, Guardiola will likely go for the win here and that could help or hinder the Cityzens cause. The back line of City has been tested vehemently and Mourinho loves to attack weaker defenses with pace. Such a strategy led to Uniteds heralded victory over Chelsea at Old Trafford. United loves to shut down opponents offensive operations and they have a goalkeeper in David De Gea who can be a brick wall even if he is tested. This game will likely be a defensive one as Manchester United has a well-oiled machine in their defensive operations. If the game evolves to such a scenario, United may enter the Eithad and once again pull off an uncanny victory in unfriendly surroundings. We recommend staying off the Over/Under in this market but if any were to fancy it, the Under 2.5 should be a suitable selection.
Manchester United Recent Form
W Burnley 2-0
W Chelsea 2-0
W Sunderland 3-0
D Everton 1-1
D West Bromwich Albion 0-0
Manchester City Recent Form
L Arsenal 1-2
W Southampton 3-0
W Hull City 3-1
L Chelsea 1-2
D Arsenal 2-2
Keith’s Prediction for the Game: MANCHESTER UNITED 7/2 (+250) and UNDER 2.5 10/11 (-110)
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