Man City v Man Utd – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

Both of these sides have new goalkeepers who could make their debuts. Man City have won five of the last eight Manchester derbies.

Match: Man City v Man Utd – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets
When: Sunday, 14 September 2025

Man City Form

City looked more like themselves at the end of last season. A late-season rally got them into the Champions League as they went unbeaten in nine league matches with seven wins and six clean sheets. After exiting the FIFA Club World Cup in the quarterfinals, this season has not started well.

Although they had a convincing 4-0 win at Wolves on the opening day, they’ve lost their last two matches. A 2-0 home defeat to Tottenham was followed by a 2-1 defeat at Brighton having led 1-0. City allowed 2.30 xG to their opponents despite having 64% of the ball.  

Man City Team News

City have eight major injuries for this one. However, six of those players have a chance of returning for this clash. Omar Marmoush and Rayan Cherki will both miss this match with Jeremy Doku set to start down the left.

Mateo Kovacic, Josko Gvardiol, Savinho and Phil Foden all need late fitness tests. Abdukodir Khusanov should shake off a knock and John Stones is expected to recover from an injury suffered on England duty.           

Man City Motivation

City need a win and a response to their successive defeats. A draw here would feel like a defeat.

Expect Guardiola’s side to dominate possession in this match. If leading, they are expected to play conservatively to guard against United’s counters.

Man Utd Form

United finished last season in poor form with just one win in nine EPL matches. They reached the Europa League final but were beaten 1-0 by Tottenham. That defeat saw the Red Devils miss out on Champions League football.

This season began with a 1-0 home defeat to Arsenal despite a strong performance, outshooting the Gunners 22-9. After a 1-1 draw at Fulham, United lost to League Two Grimsby Town on penalties after a 2-2 draw in the Carabao Cup. They bounced back to beat Burnley 3-2 thanks to a 97th-minute penalty as they put up 26 shots and 3.63 xG.

Man Utd Team News

Coach Ruben Amorim is still without Lisandro Martinez. Diogo Dalot is doubtful in the wingback areas too.

Matheus Cunha and Mason Mount took knocks in the last game and are doubtful here. Senne Lammens has been signed in goal and should start. Andre Onana has departed the club on loan.

Man Utd Motivation

United are having a tough start to this season and need to avoid defeat here. A draw would be a very good result in this one.

Amorim’s side has parked the bus in some big game recently and may do the same. They won’t have much possession but they will carry a threat with their pace in attack.

Key Stats

Man City have won 8 of their last 12 league matches

Man City have kept 7 clean sheets in their last 12 EPL matches

Manchester United have lost 5 of the last 8 derbies

Man Utd have lost 7 of their last 12 league matches

Verdict

United gave an improved display against Burnley but it’s hard to see them avoiding defeat against City. A narrow win is tipped for the hosts.

Best Bet: Man City win at 1.78

Featured Bet: Man City win, Both Teams to Score Yes and Haaland to score anytime at 3.70

Alternate Bet: Man City to win by exactly 1 goal at 3.65