The first Manchester Derby of the season is here and with it comes all of the usual intensity, aggression and nerves associated with a game of this magnitude.
THE MANCHESTER DERBY
Premier League
Sunday, 29 October – 17:30
Old Trafford
Manchester United
It’s a tough reality, well I suppose it depends on who you are talking to, but I am not sold nor convinced by Manchester United at the moment. From Andre Onana all the way through the field, it is difficult to say there is a clear identity and style. I cannot say that United go into any game (literally against anybody at the moment) as favourites or with any sort of confidence.
That late win against Brentford before the international break and the win over Sheffield last week have plastered over some serious cracks into the confidence around Erik ten Hag. I think he is a manager under immense pressure, and its only because he happens to coach at a club where results are expected as a matter of urgency.
Marcus Rashford looks like a player desperate for confidence, Harry Maguire deserves a little more respect and Rasmus upfront is seemingly the only player with a bit of gusto about himself.
The reality is United are completely and totally reliant on individual brilliance – and I fear that might not be enough against Manchester City.
To Win Match
Man United 4/1 | Draw 29/10 | Man City 4/6
Manchester City
City, by their standards at least, haven’t exactly been shooting the lights out themselves at the moment. They lost back-to-back games in the League before limping to victory against Brighton.
Rodri has been a massive miss for Pep Guardiola’s side and his return has been welcomed. Erling Haaland would have enjoyed finding the back of the net again and that would have given him a host of confidence.
As the adage suggests, everything goes out of the window in a derby, and anything can happen. I think City will be up for this game though and really take it to United. They know United are wounded and will be playing with a compromised confidence, so if the visitors get off to a good start, I think this could be ugly.
Predicted Lineups
Manchester United: Onana, Lindelof, Maguire, Varane, Dalot, McTominay, Amrabat, Fernandes, Rashford, Mount, Hojlund
Manchester City: Ortega, Walker, Gvardiol, Stones, Dias, Silva, Rodri, Foden, Alvarez, Doku, Haaland.
Prediction: Manchester City (4/6)
For the record, I really hope I am wrong here. I hope United really have a crack here and they earn a massive result to give them much needed confidence and a chance to kick-on a little bit and put something together this season!
I just think City are too strong though, they have the quality, the confidence, and the intention of making a statement here. I think they win this.
