Manchester United v City – Battle of the Giants

The Growth of the Manchester Derby

The two games played each Premier League season between Manchester United and Manchester City are a couple of the most hugely anticipated matches of the whole season. Particularly in Manchester of course but all over the world now as these two clubs continue to grow their already massive followings.

In recent years of course the game hasn’t just been one in which the winning team’s fans have bragging rights over the opposing side’s supporters. Since the massive injection of cash into Manchester City, they have joined their rivals as one of the very best teams in England. After years of struggle for City, this Manchester Derby is now firmly established as a top-of-the table match and sometimes even a title decider.

Vital Premier League Game

Both sides have made good starts to their Premier League seasons. City came storming out of the traps with five straight wins and not even conceding a goal. That all disappeared with a shock 2-1 home defeat to West Ham United followed by a heavy 4-1 defeat at Tottenham. They recovered their form with a 6-1 win over struggling Newcastle United to top the table.

Manchester United have continued to make steady progress in their bid to get back to the top of English football. Their new signings have been in form as they bid to mount a title challenge. Home form has been impressive with three wins out of four and three clean sheets. Away from home they have already lost to Swansea City and Arsenal so they really need to turn Old Trafford into a fortress and a win over City is a must for them.

Recent History of the Red Devils & the Citizens

For a long time, Manchester City simply couldn’t win at Old Trafford. While their rivals were busy winning title after title, City struggled, and after a 1-0 win in 1974, they had to wait until 2008 for their next away win against United.

Since everything changed at City and the financial revolution began, the tide has really turned. Of the last four Premier League games between these sides at Old Trafford, three have been won by Manchester City. That includes a record equalizing 6-1 win in October 2011.

Last season saw United win 4-2 at home in a game that ended City’s hopes of retaining their Premier League title. City were really going through a bad patch at that time but United fans loved getting their first home win over their rivals since 2011.

Goalscorers

Wayne Rooney holds many records and will undoubtedly break a few more before he retires. One record Rooney already has is more goals than any other player in the Manchester Derby with 11 goals. That’s three ahead of Sergio Aguero who needs two to equal the City record currently held by Francis Lee and Joe Hayes. He’s doubtful for this game though after suffering an injury while playing for Argentina.

Premier League Key Statistics for Man Utd v Man City

City have won three of the last four away games at Old Trafford. to gain another win. to win a second successive Old Trafford Manchester Derby.

Draws have been thin on the ground with the last nine Old Trafford Premier League games producing positive results. Is one due? You can get .

City have scored 13 goals in their last four Premier League games at Old Trafford. They have found the net in their last six games away at to do so again in this match.

Manchester United have scored in nine of their last ten home Premier League games against City. They are to score in this match.

City have taken the lead in their last five games against United. You can get on them making it six in a row in this game.

Both teams have scored in five of the last six games played between these two sides at Old Trafford. Bet365 predicts at odds of that this will happen again on October 25.

Conclusion

United are doing their best to win as many home games as possible. Already sides are finding It difficult to score Premier League goals at Old Trafford this season. When it comes to the Manchester Derby though form often flies out of the window. This should be a great game but with City likely to be without Aguero, that might tip the scales in the favour of the home side.