WhoScored Tipster: Manchester Derby the Focus of LogiBet Tip of the Weekend
Although always a key fixture in the Premier League season, the first Manchester derby of this campaign is shaping up to be one that could have larger connotations than simply bragging rights. Even at this early stage of the season Manchester United are emerging as genuine title contenders for the first time in a while and will be looking to knock City off of top spot.
We delve into the stats ahead of the game to explain why our tipping partner LogiBet is backing the away side to get a result on Sunday in a bid to keep their place at the league’s summit.
Both teams were in Champions League action on Wednesday night. While City had the benefit of staying at home, United had to make the lengthy journey to and from Moscow to play out their 1-1 draw. City will not only be better rested than United then, but their last minute winner against Sevilla will see them brimming with confidence as they head into the weekend.
Manchester City started the season in impressive form, winning each of their opening 5 games without conceding a goal, including a 3-0 win over champions Chelsea. The re-introduction of the Champions League into their calendar saw City hit a poor run of results, losing 3 of their next 4 matches - only picking up a win over a struggling Sunderland side in the League Cup.
The losses, while not ideal, have had little to no impact on how Manchester City have gone about approaching games though. They continue to play expansive and attacking football, utilising all the firepower they have at their disposal. During the international break City lost Sergio Agüero and David Silva to injury. Last season this would have been devastating to City’s title push, however they bought well in the summer. The additions of Raheem Sterling and Kevin De Bruyne will prove crucial to not only Sunday’s clash but over the next month while Agüero recovers.
Although Agüero will miss out on Sunday’s game, City should be bolstered by the return of their captain. Against Pellegrini’s wishes, Vincent Kompany made an appearance during the international break in Belgium’s 3-1 win over Israel. Since then Pellegrini has kept him on the bench presumably to ensure his fitness is at 100% for the derby. City have yet to concede a goal domestically with Kompany on the pitch this season, while they have failed to keep a single clean sheet in his absence.
Manchester United find themselves level on points with Arsenal, and just 2 behind league leaders City. It is safe to say their form has not been as convincing as their rivals’ this season, but United manage to get a result more often than not despite failing to deliver a performance. Another season in and Louis Van Gaal is still trying to find his best team, his best formation, his best style.
Manchester United’s frailties were fully exposed by Arsenal just ahead of the international break in a match that saw the Gunners put 3 past David de Gea in just under 20 minutes. While the visitors recovered well to register their first win at Goodison Park in 4 years their inconsistency over the season and vulnerability to counter-attacks will be of concern to the United faithful ahead of Sunday.
Manchester United will be hoping that Wayne Rooney will again look to silence his critics on Sunday. He has drawn more than his share of criticism this season despite scoring 6 in his last 9 for United. Moreover, Rooney has netted more goals in this fixture (11) than any other player. He may have to hold off on the Saturday night birthday celebrations if he hopes to add a twelfth to his tally.
Although the line is that ‘form goes out the window in derbies’, Manchester City have got the better of United in their recent meetings. Ahead of their robust win in April, Manchester United had lost each of the previous 4 matches to their ‘noisy neighbours’. In fact, City have won as many matches against United in their last 8 league meetings (6) as they had in their previous 42.
While it’s likely Manchester City will get the better of United once again, it could come down to the performances of the captains, and it would be little surprise if the points are shared for the first time in 13 meetings. As a result, our LogiBet tip of the weekend is Manchester City to win or draw, with odds of 1.55 from bet365.
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