Manchester United vs Manchester City prediction
The Premier League resumes another high-profile installment when Manchester United host Manchester City at Old Trafford on Saturday, 17 January 2026, 3:30 PM GMT+3. This match, staged on Matchday 22, pits Michael Carrick’s side against Pep Guardiola’s in what promises to be a tactically intense derby. Manchester United arrive with 32 points from 22 matches and occupy seventh place in the table, having recorded 8 wins, 8 draws and 5 defeats with a goal tally of 36:32. Their home form is reasonably solid: five victories, three draws and two defeats at Old Trafford this season. Manchester City sit second with 43 points from 21 matches, accumulating 13 wins, 4 draws and 4 defeats and an impressive goal difference of 45:19; their away record reads five wins, two draws and three defeats. The most recent direct meeting ended 3-0 in favour of Manchester City, but head-to-head over the last five encounters is evenly poised with two wins apiece and one draw. This preview offers a formal assessment of the match and presents our betting tip, together with supporting rationale and the best quoted odds available.
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Main Betting Tip: Over 2.5 goals
Our principal prediction is Over 2.5 goals. Historical derby encounters and the current profiles of both clubs suggest an open game with multiple scoring chances. Manchester City have a potent attacking record this season and Manchester United have shown they can both score and concede, particularly when pressing higher and committing players forward. The recent head-to-head fixtures and the quality in both squads increase the likelihood of a match that exceeds 2.5 total goals.
Betting Tip 2: DC Man City/Draw
Our second betting tip for this fixture is a Double Chance on Manchester City victory/Draw. Manchester City is the favourite in this meetup, coming from the sweet victory against Newcastle United in the EFL Cup clash. Man United, on the other hand, is still regrouping after firing their manager, and this might be a setbacks especially when the top of the table scramble becomes so intense. Henc,e we advise you to pick a Double Chance Man City/Draw.
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Betting Tip 3: Both teams score? Yes
Our final betting prediction is that both teams will score (Yes). Manchester United’s attacking output (36 goals) coupled with Manchester City’s prolific scoring record indicates that both sides have the capacity to find the net. Despite United’s comparatively conservative recent form, their front line remains capable of exploiting spaces left by City’s forward-thinking play. Likewise, City’s movement and chance creation typically yield scoring opportunities even when rotated. The market also reflects that both teams scoring is considered likely; the best quoted odds supplied list Yes at Efbet with an odd of 1.56, while No is offered at LiveScore Bet with odds of 2.75. Given the offensive strengths and tendencies of both squads, the Yes option represents the preferred economical selection.
Statistics for Manchester United vs Manchester City
Manchester United team news!
Under the stewardship of Michael Carrick, Manchester United lie seventh with 32 points and a goal record of 36:32. The team’s domestic form shows eight victories, eight draws and five defeats. At Old Trafford United have delivered five wins, three draws and two losses — a home record that underlines their capacity to secure points against strong opposition. In the last five matches across all competitions United have registered one win, three draws and one defeat, indicating a stable but conservative recent form. Carrick has emphasised organisation and defensive solidity, and United will be looking to combine that structure with incisive attacking moments to unsettle City.
Manchester City team news!
Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City occupy second place with 43 points and an imposing goal difference of +26 (45:19). Their domestic campaign comprises 13 wins, four draws and four defeats. City’s away form — five wins, two draws and three defeats — demonstrates continued effectiveness on the road. In their last five outings across all competitions City remain unbeaten, producing two wins and three draws; this run confirms their consistency even when rotation is employed. Guardiola’s tactical flexibility and emphasis on control of possession will be central to City’s approach, though squad rotation could influence cohesion on the day.
H2H statistics
The head-to-head record across the last five meetings in all competitions stands level: Manchester United two wins, Manchester City two wins and one draw. The most recent meeting concluded with a 3:0 victory for Manchester City, but the broader picture across five matches illustrates competitive balance and the potential for either side to impose itself on derby day.
Last results Manchester United
In their most recent sequence of five matches across all competitions, Manchester United have achieved one win, three draws and one defeat. This form line suggests a side that has been hard to beat but has struggled to secure maximum points consistently; the current form is therefore steady rather than spectacular.
Last results Manchester City
Manchester City’s last five matches have produced two wins and three draws, with no defeats recorded in that period. The unbeaten run reflects stability and resilience, signalling a team of consistent quality even when faced with rotation and fixture congestion.
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Conclusion
This Manchester derby presents a nuanced contest. On paper Manchester City are the superior side by league position, goal difference and recent unbeaten momentum. Nevertheless, Manchester United’s home record, the psychological lift of playing at Old Trafford and potential impacts from City rotation create conditions in which an upset is plausible. Our assessment identifies Manchester United as the preferred upset selection (Tip 1), supported by the value available at Efbet (4.13). Complementary selections — both teams to score (Yes), Over 2.5 goals and a 1:1 correct score — align with the expectation of an open, competitive game in which both sides contribute to the scoreline. Bettors should consider squad news and starting line-ups announced on matchday and manage stakes in accordance with responsible gambling principles.
