MATCH of the weekend is at Old Trafford where Manchester United welcome rivals Manchester City. Tom Love (@TomLove_18) shares his betting thoughts.
Manchester United vs Manchester City | Saturday 6th November 2021, 12:30 | Sky Sports
- Man City are undefeated in 17 of their last 19 away league matches.
- There have been Over 2.5 Goals scored in Man Utd's last 5 games.
- Man City have won just 1 of the last 6 head-to-heads with Man Utd.
The narrative behind this huge derby fixture may be the struggles Pep Guardiola has had in his efforts to best their arch rivals since he came into the premier league. United seemingly have the Indian sign over the Blue Moon but theirs is clear gap in terms of overall quality this season both on the pitch and in the dugout.
United were in Bergamo on Tuesday night and required a last gasp Cristiano Ronaldo goal to salvage a 2-2 draw. The Red Devils struggled to cope with the high press of the hosts and could see their underperforming defence under similar force from a hard working City frontline and midfield. It’s just 1 clean sheet in 12 for the hosts so it’s unlikely that they will be able to keep this red hot City attack at bay.
Having said that, it’s just 2 clean sheets in the last 8 for the visitors and with Aymeric Laporte suspended they look a fair bit weaker at the back. With the firepower and individual quality United have at the top of the pitch you’d expect them to breach that defence.
Taking a goals based angle is therefore a decent way to go and the 10/11 (Bet365) on both teams to score and over 2.5 goals holds plenty of appeal.
I do think United could profit from set piece situations and Harry Maguire is the obvious aerial threat for the hosts. Maguire has had an effort in 10 of his 12 games in all competitions this season so the 10/11 with Pokerstars on the England man to register a shot in the game looks a fair price.
If United are to go again with a back 5 then look at Luke Shaw to have a shot at 7/4 also with Pokerstars. Shaw had an effort in Bergamo early on and was allowed to get forward a lot more than when he operates in a back 4. He’s managed an effort against the likes of Spurs and Liverpool so the calibre of opponent doesn’t faze him.
Best Bets
Manchester United vs Manchester City – Both Teams To Score and Over 2.5 Goals (10/11 Bet365)
Manchester United vs Manchester City – Harry Maguire 1+ shot (10/11 Pokerstars)
Manchester United vs Manchester City – Luke Shaw 1+ shot (7/4 Pokerstars)
