Manchester Utd – Manchester City

The Mancunian derby will end in City’s favour this time around

The Mancunian derby will be the jewel of the 31st round of the Premier League. Of course, United and City's confrontation with each other in Manchester is of particular interest - regardless of which tournament the rivals play in and under what tournament circumstances. This derby will be the third of the season for the teams. In the FA Super Cup, the rivals went to a penalty shootout to decide the winner where Guardiola's men were luckier. The clubs played the second match when Manchester City was already in the midst of a crisis. The result was extremely painful for the Citizens, who led in the score until the 88th minute, but disastrously missed two goals from the Red Devils - 1:2. Now Guardiola's wards have improved their form and psychological state, which allows them to expect a victory at Old Trafford. In addition, of the two clubs on the field only one will have tournament motivation. Manchester United is a mid-table side in the current Premier League, which will definitely not be able to claim a place in the European Cup zone through the championship. In the case of Manchester City, things are much more serious. "Citizens" are fighting desperately not to fail also next season, not getting into the zone of the Champions League 2025/2026. Bookmakers have identified the guests as favourites for the upcoming meeting, offering odds of 2.12 on their victory. Manchester United can already fully concentrate on the Europa League. Not even for the reason that it is prestigious to win the European club trophy, but because this victory will get them into the Champions League. This is the only way into the elite continental tournament, which is now available to the thirteenth Premier League club. Manchester United lost 0-1 at Nottingham last time out, repeating the result of their fellow countrymen from a month ago. Manchester City are in fifth place in the standings, one point behind the extreme position of the coveted top 4. If the Citizens fly past the next Champions League draw, Guardiola's fate as head coach will be unpredictable. The visitors need a win not even out of "neighbourly" feelings, but out of a tough tournament situation. We bet that Manchester City will be closer to three points than their opponents.