*Match preview and betting tips provided by SVB Tips
Ruben Amorim’s United side have little but pride left to play for in this Premier League campaign. They sit in 13th place with 37 points, eight points behind the top 10, and surprisingly, United have suffered more defeats at Old Trafford than in away matches this season.
After going seven matches unbeaten in all competitions, United suffered a narrow 0-1 loss at Nottingham Forest last Tuesday, despite dominating most key statistics.
Bruno Fernandes, the team's captain, has contributed 16 goals and 15 assists across all competitions this season. The Portuguese midfielder has played in all but one match this season (the 0-2 defeat to Newcastle).
United are still involved in the Europa League, which represents a backdoor path to next season's Champions League, so they could be forgiven for having one on on Thursday's quarterfinal first leg at Lyon.
- Injuries for Manchester United: Ayden Heaven, Jonny Evans, Lisandro Martinez, Amad Diallo, Kobbie Mainoo, Luke Shaw
Manchester City were aiming for a title challenge this season but would now settle for a top-four Champions League qualifying spot. They are in 5th place with 51 points, just one point behind Chelsea. However, their away form has been poor, suffering six defeats in their last 11 games away from the Etihad.
City won 2-0 at home against Leicester City in midweek, with goals from Jack Grealish and Omar Marmoush, who looks an able replacement for
Erling Haaland, City’s top scorer, who has been ruled out for 6 weeks after an injury sustained in last weekend's FA Cup victory at Bournemouth match.
- Injuries for Manchester City: Rodri, Manuel Akanji, John Stones, Nathan Ake, Erling Haaland
Head-to-Head
In the Premier League era, these two Manchester sides have faced each other 65 times, with Manchester United leading 26-20.
Interestingly, in the two managers' four head-to-head meetings, Amorim holds the upper hand over Guardiola, leading 2-1 with one match drawn
Betting Suggestions
- Manchester United to win or draw: Given City’s poor away form and United’s resilience at home, a bet on Manchester United or draw (Double Chance) could be a good option.
- Under 2.5 Goals: With Haaland unavailable and both teams missing key players, this match could be tight defensively.
- Bruno Fernandes to score anytime: Fernandes has been in top form and remains one of United's most reliable attacking threats.
- Both teams to score: While both teams have been inconsistent in attack, they tend to score in derbies, so both teams to score (BTTS) may be worth considering.
- Correct Score - 1-1 Draw: With both sides struggling in key areas, a 1-1 draw seems a plausible outcome,