Michael Carrick prepares to take charge as interim Manchester United manager for the first time against Pep Guardiola’s City at Old Trafford.
Best bets for Manchester United vs Manchester City
- Manchester City to win at odds of 1.95 with 1xBet
- Under 2.5 goals at odds of 2.50 with 1xBet
- Antoine Semenyo to score or assist at odds of 1.95 with 1xBet
Our analysis: Form of both teams
- Score prediction – Manchester United 0-2 Manchester City
- Goalscorers prediction – Manchester United: N/A – Manchester City: Haaland, Semenyo
Manchester City travel to Old Trafford. They are set to face a new-look Manchester United under the management of new interim boss Michael Carrick.
United took the bold decision to fire Ruben Amorim. The Portuguese boss failed to make his signature 3-4-3 system work with the Red Devils. Although Darren Fletcher has deputised in recent games, Carrick has been recruited to lead the team for the remainder of the season.
It’s not all doom and gloom for United. They currently sit seventh, but only three points shy of fourth-placed Liverpool. A positive result against City could reignite their Champions League qualification hopes. Although they’ve only won one of their last six EPL games, they’ve also lost just one of those fixtures. This suggests they’ve been hard to beat despite not dominating sides.
City have drawn their last three EPL games, allowing Arsenal to extend their lead at the summit to six points. Pep Guardiola’s men are the division’s leading scorers, with 45 goals scored in 21 games. They’ve added fresh firepower to their front line in the shape of Antoine Semenyo. He has scored two goals in his first two games since joining from AFC Bournemouth. With the new signing making such an immediate impact, many fans are looking for a 1xBet Promo Code to back him to find the net again in the derby.
With such an abundance of attacking riches at City’s disposal, it’s no surprise they’ve started games on the front foot of late. They’ve scored first in eight of their last nine matches. If they do so on Saturday lunchtime, it will be difficult for United to find a way back into the contest.
Probable lineups for Manchester United vs Manchester City
Manchester United expected lineup: Lammens, Shaw, Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Ugarte, Casemiro, Fernandes, Cunha, Mbeumo, Sesko
Manchester City expected lineup: Donnarumma, Nunes, O’Reilly, Ake, Khusanov, Rodri, Cherki, Silva, Foden, Semenyo, Haaland
Guardiola’s men in rampant form
Manchester City have now won five of their last six away games in all competitions. Their cup demolition of Exeter was impressive, but their solid EFL Cup semi-final first-leg win at Newcastle was even better.
Because of this dominant away form, thebest betting sites consistently price Guardiola's side as clear favorites on the road. Newcastle had won 11 of their last 13 games at St James’ Park, yet City kept them at arm’s length for most of the contest.
Guardiola’s men have shown they can thrive in intense atmospheres. Old Trafford is bound to be rocking on Saturday lunchtime.
City are unbeaten in their last 13 games in all competitions, and United are on a four-game winless streak. That’s why backing the visitors seems like a smart play. United have won only two of their last ten home games against City in the Premier League.
- Manchester United vs Manchester City Bet 1: Manchester City to win at odds of 1.95 with 1xBet
Value on two goals or fewer
Eight of the last ten meetings between United and City have featured three or more goals. However, there appears to be value in the Under 2.5 Goals market this weekend. Three of United’s last four home EPL games have ended with two or fewer goals scored.
Meanwhile, four of City’s last five games have also ended in Under 2.5 Goals wins. City have averaged fewer than one goal conceded per game this season. Despite their makeshift central defence, they have been dynamic and powerful at the back in recent weeks.
Looking back further at the history books, 44% of the last 50 Manchester derbies have finished with two or fewer goals scored. Yet, the betting markets price the probability at just 40% this weekend, so there is clear value.
- Manchester United vs Manchester City Bet 2: Under 2.5 goals at odds of 2.50 with 1xBet
Another goal contribution for Semenyo
It has been a wonderful start to life at Manchester City for the new signing, Antoine Semenyo. The former AFC Bournemouth powerhouse has scored two times in his opening two games. The Ghanaian international scored one and set up another in City’s 10-1 FA Cup win over Exeter. He then scored City’s opening goal in their 2-0 EFL Cup semi-final first leg win at Newcastle.
Semenyo has 13 goal contributions in 20 EPL appearances so far in 2025/26. In all competitions, he has 16 goal contributions in 23 games at a strike rate of 69.60%.
Yet, the betting markets believe he only has a 51.28% chance of scoring or assisting in this weekend’s Manchester derby. Should he come through the Newcastle game unscathed, this will be the pure value bet.
- Manchester United vs Manchester City Bet 3: Antoine Semenyo to score or assist at odds of 1.95 with 1xBet