Manchester City vs Manchester United Prediction, Odds and Betting Tips 03/03/2024

Odds via Tonybet

Manchester City vs Manchester United	March 3, 2024, 12:30 PM ET
Manchester City odds	-358
Manchester United odds	+860
Draw	+540
Over\Under	3.5 -106/ -113

Manchester City vs Manchester United. Shape of the Teams

Traditionally, the Manchester Derby represents one of the most-awaited games of the season. But in recent years, it has become less and less attractive due to a growing disparity between both teams.

This is a problem for fans – after a while, you get tired of one team smashing the other. Manchester United’s recent form does not help either – they just suffered a 2-1 defeat to Fulham in a display that hardly convinced anyone.

Judging by the press conferences, Erik ten Hag does not seem too worried about his situation, as Manchester United are sixth (which is no proof of their level).

The Red Devils have had a good streak since the beginning of the year but face an uphill battle to maintain that momentum.

Additionally, the game will be at the Etihad – where they will find a formidable Erling Haaland, who scored five times against Luton Town in Manchester City’s last game.

The Citizens also easily beat Copenhagen in Europe with a 3-1 victory, and I doubt Manchester United will get an easy pass.

Numerous injuries within their squad complicate Manchester United’s task. The most recent victim was Højlund, who will be sidelined for about three weeks. Other injured players are Luke Shaw and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, while Maguire is doubtful for the clash with City.

In contrast, Manchester City barely faces any injury concerns, allowing them to field a strong lineup.

With Manchester City trailing Liverpool by just one point in the Premier League, the Cityzens will be chasing that win and trying to narrow the gap in the title race.

Manchester City vs Manchester United Main Match Info

Date and Kickoff Time: Sunday, March 3, 10:30 AM ET
Stadium: Etihad
Location: Manchester, England
Last match: Manchester United-Manchester City: 0-3 (October 29, 2023, PL)

Manchester City vs Manchester United, Prediction, Odds

Pick: Manchester City to win
Odds: -358 (Tonybet)

Manchester United’s chances are probably best described by the odds. Not much would lead to thinking that Manchester United has a real chance at the Etihad.

In their last meeting in the Premier League, United’s passive performance at Old Trafford led to a 0-3 victory for Manchester City. Internal turmoil is currently also leading to doubts regarding Erik ten Hag, who, after so long, still has not found a clear identity for the club.

Sofyan Amrabat is expected to start again, filling in as left-back following the injury of Luke Shaw. Casemiro and Mainoo are expected to play in the midfield double pivot.

Compare this with the double pivot of Manchester City consisting of Stones and Rodri, and you get a quick sense of where this tie could go.

It does not help in any way that the club’s politics require 100M signing Anthony to keep playing despite his poor performances, with Erik ten Hag continuing to defend him.

The outrageous 100M transfer fee paid for Anthony is a great display of how terrible the Red Devils are when it comes to negotiations. The problematic dynamics within United, from transfer strategies to team selection policies, are not allowing Manchester United to thrive and progress in their project (if there is any).

It would be reasonable for City to exploit some of the weaknesses. Given his limitations on the ball, the double pivot will have to see how Casemiro deals with pressure. Additionally, Sofyan Amrabat’s role makes him an easy target to double down against in 2v1 situations.

The idea that United will show very little resistance is completed by the current level of Manchester City. Kevin De Bruyne’s exceptional form and leadership further tilt the odds in City’s favour. His capacity to create opportunities and link up with Erling Haaland resulted in four assists on Haaland against Luton Town.

5️⃣ goals in the fifth round for @ErlingHaaland! 💪 pic.twitter.com/2TI1FjPg3I
— Manchester City (@ManCity) February 28, 2024

Only Grealish is missing due to injury, while Gvardiol is doubtful but unlikely to play.

Manchester United’s task of breaching City’s midfield and defence appears daunting. Especially when considering the weaknesses Bruno Fernandes brings with him, despite his offensive talents being a big plus to the team.

Manchester City vs Manchester United Betting Tip

Pick: Manchester City to lead by 3+ goals
Odds: +154 (Tonybet)

I would not be surprised to see Haaland and Kevin de Bruyne showcasing their exceptional synergy while scoring some goals for fun, particularly against one of the most insecure defences of the Premier League.

Lisandro Martinez’s impact could not be more obvious – it becomes increasingly difficult to justify Erik Ten Hag’s decisions in the past months, even taking injuries into account.

I want to give a heartfelt thanks for the great support I’ve received and to reassure you that I’ll soon be back out there, and we’ll fight together. Always united!
Quiero agradecer de todo corazón el gran apoyo que he recibido y transmitirles tranquilidad, pronto estaré… pic.twitter.com/tXEzAgm7ws
— Lisandro Martinez (@LisandrMartinez) February 5, 2024

Containing Manchester City at the Etihad at this stage of the season seems an almost Herculean task. Since January, Chelsea was the only team that “took away” points from the Citizens just a week ago. And still, that was only a draw (1-1).

Manchester United’s lack of coordination, exacerbated by losing Højlund – one of the only bright spots this season – becomes a major problem for Manchester United.

With United previously close to hitting the top five, only three points shy, these issues suggest a potential regression in their league standing.

Disclaimer: Odds are accurate at the time of posting and subject to change. Please verify the latest odds on our platform before betting.