Premier League preview and odds: Manchester United vs. Manchester City

Published on: 23/10/2015

Premier League preview and odds: Manchester United vs. Manchester City

October 25, 2015 14:00pm Old Trafford

Premier League

The first Manchester derby of the season kicks off at Old Trafford on Sunday with just two points separating the teams in the Barclays Premier League title race.

United looking to overhaul rivals

United will be keen to maintain the pressure on their city rivals by claiming all three points on Sunday. A win could see them leapfrog their neighbours and even claim top spot (subject to Arsenal`s result) but defeat would leave them trailing by five points with ten games played. Therefore this game could be pivotal in shaping the season of Louis van Gaals men. In fact, the Dutch boss has suggested that they need to win the game in order to harbour any genuine title aspirations.

Despite that claim, a draw may not be a bad result for the home side and would certainly keep them within striking of their title rivals. However, it could also favour Arsenal and even bring West Ham into the mix should Slaven Bilics surprise contenders beat Chelsea on Saturday. The Red Devils go into this game on the back of a 3-0 victory away to Everton last weekend.

City looking to consolidate lead

A win for Man City will ensure that they maintain at least a two-point gap against the rest of the pack in the race for the league title. They could even stretch their lead if the Gunners fail to claim all three points against Everton on Saturday.

City scored 11 goals in their last two games as they demolished Newcastle (6-1) and then Bournemouth (5-1) having previously lost two on the bounce to West Ham and Spurs.

Team news

United are still without the injured quartet of Ashley Young, Luke Shaw, James Wilson and Paddy McNair.

Meanwhile, City will be missing Sergio Aguero and Samir Nasri but could welcome back David Silva, Fabian Delph and Gael Clichy.

Recent form (League)

Manchester United: WLWWWL

Manchester City: WWLLWW

Betting odds and tips

Both teams have had poor displays in recent weeks but when they do hit their stride, it is City who look the most convincing. However, United have not been beaten at home this season and the Sky Blues will need to be at their very best to grab all three points on Sunday.

These teams have just one draw between them this season, so that seems like an unlikely result, but considering how tight this game should be, dont count it out.

Although this game is a hard one to call, it stands out as a clear contender in the Over 2.5 goals market. Uniteds last six and Citys last four have all paid out in this category. You can back Over 2.5 at 13/5 with Unibet or 888sport.

Published on: 23/10/2015

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (23/10/2015 14:28:51) but are subject to change.