Manchester United vs Manchester City Predictions

• Manchester United have kept just two clean sheets in 15 competitive games this season, both away from home.
• Manchester City have conceded in six of their last eight matches.
• The away side has won eight of the last 11 Manchester derbies.

Defensive deficiencies haunt Red Devils

Cristiano Ronaldo came to the rescue once again for Manchester United in midweek as they came from behind twice to take a point in Bergamo, with the Portuguese talisman scoring both goals including a stunning volley in the dying embers of the game.

Ronaldo’s brace didn’t fool anybody into thinking Manchester United played well, though. They have the attacking firepower to challenge any team in the world but defensively they have been a shambles this season and Tuesday’s injury to Raphael Varane makes their defensive outlook even bleaker.

With just two clean sheets in all competitions this season and that 5-0 drubbing at home to Liverpool fresh in the memory, this could be a very difficult afternoon for the Red Devils.

Free-scoring City to punish hosts

Manchester City suffered their own shock defeat last weekend as Crystal Palace claimed a 2-0 win at the Etihad, following on from their midweek exit in the Carabao Cup.

However, Pep Guardiola’s side bounced back in style as they put four past Club Brugge on Wednesday. They have now scored 15 goals in their last six games and they will fancy their chances against this United defence.

Expect goals at Old Trafford

All being said, this should be a fine way to kick off your Saturday afternoon if you’re in the market for goals.

Manchester City have conceded in six of their last eight games in all competitions but it’s hard to imagine them drawing a blank against a rival side that have conceded in 13 of their 15 matches this season, shipping 13 goals across their last five outings. With this in mind, backing both teams to score is the way to go.

It’s unsurprising to see Manchester City as odds-on favourites here and both recent form and previous meetings stack in the Citizens’ favour. The away side have won in eight of the last 11 Manchester derbies, so I’m opting for a 3-1 win for the visitors on Saturday.

Manchester United predicted lineup: De Gea; Bailly, Lindelof, Maguire; Wan-Bissaka, McTominay, Fred, Shaw; Fernandes; Cavani, Ronaldo

Manchester City predicted lineup: Ederson; Walker, Stones, Dias, Cancelo; Rodri, De Bruyne, Silva; Jesus, Foden, Grealish

• Five of Manchester United’s last seven Premier League games have ended with over 2.5 goals

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