Manchester City vs Manchester United: predictions, odds & match preview

 The highly anticipated Manchester United vs Manchester City Manchester Derby is set to unfold on 29 October 2023. Both teams will clash at Old Trafford on matchday 10 of the 2023/24 Premier League season.

This iconic fixture is a highlight of the football calendar of many Premier League fans because it promises an intense battle between two of English football’s most storied clubs.

Both teams have enjoyed mixed fortunes heading into this match Manchester United, under the management of Erik ten Hag, have failed to make a good start to the season.

They had to come back from a goal down against Brentford a few weeks ago to prove they could still challenge for the top four this season.

That game typified the season that ten Hag’s Red Devils are having so far: showing flashes of brilliance but struggling for consistency. Marcus Rashford no longer leads the Red Devils’ attack as the Englishman is also one of the players in the team who is struggling.

Danish striker Rasmus Højlund is the new leader of the attack. With the 20-year-old’s ability and consistent support from the rest of the squad, Manchester United have the potential to unlock any defense, yet their own defense has been prone to lapses.

On the other side, Manchester City, under the guidance of their experienced manager Pep Guardiola, are calmly working their way back to the top of the table after slipping against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Arsenal just before the October international break.

The absence of their world-class playmaker Kevin De Bruyne and the unfortunate suspension of their world-class holding midfielder Rodri, contributed to how the team has fared in the last few weeks.

With Rodri back, things have started to look different. This means that Manchester United will have to adjust their midfield tactics to deal with the Spaniard.

Other key players to watch out for include Erling Haaland, who you can never write off regardless of what his form at any given moment says. However, the battle in the center of the pitch could very well determine the match’s outcome.

The atmosphere at Old Trafford will be electric, with both sets of fans adding to the intense rivalry. The Derby is not just a match; it is a spectacle transcending the 90 minutes on the pitch.

The history, passion, and intensity of the Manchester Derby are unmatched, making it a must-watch for football enthusiasts worldwide.

As the 29th of October approaches, fans are preparing to be at the stadium to catch the game live. Keep reading for ways to get this done. You will also find team news and some predictions in the coming sections.

Match Tickets

Manchester United vs Manchester City tickets at any given time will sell out. The demand for tickets to a Manchester derby from both sets of fans and neutral fans has crashed the ticketing platforms of both clubs a number of times.

This time, the demand will see a significant spike because of the peculiarity of both club’s current situation in the league.

Fans will do well to pay attention to the websites of both clubs to get the tickets from official channels. Those who fail to get on the waitlists can check out trusted ticket resellers like Seatsnet.com to buy tickets from those who cannot make the Sunday, 29 October 2023, the date for the matchday 10 fixture between both sides in the 2023/24 Premier League season.

Fans who cannot make it to the stadium can watch the game on Sky Sports at 4:30 PM, kickoff time.

Sky Sports streaming (via the Sky Sports app), TNT Sports (via the Discovery+ app), and CBS Sports Golazo (via the Paramount+ app)  are other options for fans to watch the game. A subscription to these apps and channels is needed to access the game.

Team News

Manchester United are dealing with many injury concerns ahead of Manchester City’s visit to Old Trafford. Erik ten Hag has been defended in the media by pundits because of the squad available to him.

At the moment, the Dutchman has only one full-back available to him. Tyrell Malacia, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Luke Shaw, and even the loanee replacement for Shaw, Sergio Reguilon. Diogo Dalot is playing too many games, and his performances are getting duller, thanks to the strain on his body.

The former AFC Ajax manager has made Victor Lindelof into a makeshift fullback. Still, the Swede gets exposed when Manchester United deals with counterattacks down his wing. The rest of his team is in top shape, however, which leaves him with the task of putting out the best team to deal with the threat of Manchester City.

The Citizens are bolstered by the return of Rodri to the squad. Kevin De Bruyne is the only player missing from their pool of talent due to his long-term injury, and this will be a relief for Ten Hag and his boys.

Several academy players have joined the squad recently, most notably 20-year-old Norwegian midfielder Oscar Bobb. De Bruyne’s return could see him get a lesser run of games in the coming future, but he can be certain to be included in the squad that makes the trip to Old Trafford.

Lineups

With Dalot being the only available fullback, he is certain to start the Manchester United vs Manchester City game. Victor Lindelof will hold down the left fullback role once again. Jonny Evans and Harry Maguire have been an excellent pairing recently, and both players could keep their places against Manchester City.

Raphael Varane could take Evans’ spot, however. Bruno Fernandes will take up the position on the right of attack while Mason Mount occupies the number 8/10 role. Both players will switch often in the course of play.................................................

In recent games, Manchester City have played with Julian Alvarez and Erling Haaland. The Argentina international has mostly operated from the right side of the attack but drifts into the center as an inverted forward.

That setup is likely to remain the same, but Guardiola is likely going to line the team up in a 4-2-3-1 formation with Bernardo Silva behind Haaland. Rodri will slot back into his role as the holding midfielder.

Prediction

In derbies, form does not matter. It is thrown out the window. Manchester United vs Manchester City, the Manchester derby, follows the same rules as every derby, especially high stakes derbies like their 29 October 2023 clash in the 2023/24 Premier League season.

It is easy to point out how great City has been and how poor United has been; it will be unwise for either manager to bank on this data.

Last season, both teams got wins over each other. It was even more damaging for Manchester City, who almost lost the league to Arsenal because of that defeat at Old Trafford.

As they return to the Theatre of Dreams, Pep Guardiola will be getting ready to face a harsh atmosphere. Erik ten Hag will be preparing to make the Cityzens uncomfortable. It will be a clash of monumental proportions. With some uncertainty, however, we predict a Manchester United win.