Manchester Derby Preview: Will the Town Be Painted Red or Blue? | OneFootball

The first Manchester derby of the 2025/26 campaign will take place on Sunday, 14 September at 16:30 BST.

The updated date and time were announced by the Premier League, so bettors wanting to engage with the game should take note.

Pep Guardiola’s new-look side is strongly fancied by the top UK sportsbooks to come out on top in the Manchester Derby, but United will look to defy the odds and claim bragging rights.

Who will prevail in the Manchester Derby? Read our preview below where we consider form, head-to-head, strategies and key players before reaching a verdict.

Form and Momentum Check

Manchester City looked to have a rather difficult start to the league on paper, having to visit Wolves before welcoming Tottenham to the Etihad Stadium. They have managed to come through their early games reasonably unscathed, but the way in which they go forward and create chances in the final third is what has attracted all the attention.

Manchester United look to be a revived team under Ruben Amorim this season. They dominated Arsenal at home on the opening weekend but came away from the game with nothing to show for it. Their adaptation to the managers’ system is clear for all to see, and the defensive vulnerability of years past seems no longer to be a consideration.

Team News

Manchester City

At the time of writing, Manchester City have no confirmed absences ahead of the derby. Rodri continues to be managed and slowly but surely will be integrated back into the squad fully.

The amount of quality available to Pep Guardiola is frightening, though, his squad has depth and looks to be playing with a sort of chip on their shoulder.

Manchester United

Manchester United are also able to come into this game without any serious injuries to their side. Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko continue to dominate headlines, but they look to have seamlessly integrated themselves into this United side.

Head-to-Head Stats

Across the history of this derby, that is over 190 competitive meetings, United have won 79 of them, City 61 and they have drawn 55. However, City has managed to claim victory in six of their last 12 derbies.

Interestingly though, Manchester City have managed to perform well away from home in this encounter more than in front of their home fans.

Match Strategy: How Each Side is Likely to Approach?

Manchester City, under Pep Guardiola, will always look to take full advantage of any and all pressing triggers. They will look to progress the ball through positive build-up and complement this approach with a robust and structured defensive system.

United, on the other hand, will want to exploit the wide spaces and attack their hosts in transitional moments. Their new-look front three will want to undermine the defensive shape of City and play positive balls in-behind.

Player Battles to Watch

Erling Haaland will always bring an aerial threat alongside his physical attacking attributes. He will no doubt want to get close to the United centre backs and make life as difficult as possible for them.

How high on the field Bruno Fernandes looks to play is another aspect which will have a big say on the success of United. He is, without question the sole source of their creative options and the more he is able to affect the game, the better.

Expert Betting Tips

All of the current data seems to suggest that United can come away with something to show from this game – and given the odds, it is a real opportunity for us as well. They are playing brave and expansive football, and as such, can ask questions about this City shape.

Back them on the Win/Draw Double Chance.

For the more conservative players, back Over 2.5 Goals in this encounter.

Outcome Prediction

Writer prediction is: Manchester City 2-2 Manchester United.

The hosts are a tough side to go past, but if Manchester United are able to exploit their wide spaces, we think they could come away from the game with something to show for it.