All eyes will on the Manchester derby at the Etihad on Thursday night. Both sides are locked in a three way battle alongside Liverpool in the race for the top four places. Manchester City are odds on favourites to pick up all three points on their home soil, priced at 9/10 for the win. Manchester United are an outsider price of 13/4* to upset their neighbours, and the draw can be backed at 11/4*.
In terms of the Premier League, both sides had a positive weekend of results – even though Manchester City did play – with Liverpool losing at home to Crystal Palace. This has opened the door for both of the Manchester sides to catch Liverpool who currently occupy third place. Both sides will feel a win on Thursday night will put them in a great place to finish in the top four.
Manchester United managed three vital points away to Burnley at the weekend. Goals from Anthony Martial and Wayne Rooney gave United the 2-0 win as they closed the gap on Liverpool and Man City. It was not a glamorous performance by any means by Mourinho’s men, however they got the job done despite a long list of injuries.
Manchester City, on the other hand, were not involved in Premier League action and suffered and extra time defeat to Arsenal in the FA Cup. This subsequently means that Guardiola will not be achieving silverware in the first season in Manchester. Being tipped out of the top four by Manchester United on Thursday night will be a massive blow to City.
With Zlatan Ibrahimovic injured for the rest of the season, it is likely that the striking duties will fall to Marcus Rashford. The young forward has proved he can perform in big games and will be keen to leave his mark on the Manchester derby. He is 6/1* to get the first goal on Thursday night and 2/1* just to get on the scoresheet. It will be interesting to see if Guardiola will stick with Kompany at the centre of defence against the pacey striker.
Mourinho will be seeking revenge against Pep Guardiola’s men after City came out on top in the reverse fixture earlier this season. United did manage to beat City in an EFL Cup fixture, however – pushing City out of the way to claim a place in the top four would be that little bit sweeter for the Reds.
*Odds may fluctuate – prices from Bet on Brazil.
