Manchester City certainly looks like a club that wants to put a less than satisfactory 2015-16 season behind them and have started the current one on a crisp note. Guided by new coach, Pep Guardiola, Man City have won all their 3 encounters in the Premier League so far. They will be visiting Old Trafford on Saturday for their most acid test in a tense Derby clash with city rivals Manchester United. Injury concerns loom in the form of Sergio Aguero, though, who had to be pulled back from a Argentine World Cup qualifier due to a calf injury. There’s also the threat of a FA ban on account of foul play in a clash with West Ham. But even if their most prolific striker were to miss out on Saturday’s Derby, the Citizens’ forward ranks are endowed with talent like Raheem Sterling and their new Spanish acquisition, Diego Nolito (2 goals and 1 assist so far).While the mid-field looks solid with the creative talents of David Silva and Kevin De Bruyne, the back line is equally impressive marshaled by the likes of Nicolas Otamendi and Javier Mascherano. Missing will be the common sight of Joe Hart between the goal posts. The 33-year veteran is off to Italian club Torino on loan. His replacement, the new Barcelona import Claudio Bravo will in probability make his debut at Old Trafford come Saturday.
Jose Morinho’s stint at Old Trafford also has begun well with the Red Devils winning all their 3 EPL clashes so far. For Manchester United, the high profile European acquisitions seem to be paying off well so far. Zlatan Ibrahimovic is already their top-scorer with 3 goals and Paul Pogba seems to be settling in well upfront. Big bargain-buy Eric Bailly will be expected to perform well at the back along with Chris Smalling while the upper midfield will be lent with a lot of attacking options like boy-wonder Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Rooney, of course. David DeGea, between the posts, will obviously be a further element of confidence for the United defense.
Despite a record of 6 wins, 1 draw and 3 losses in their last ten head-to-head encounters with United, Manchester City will be cautious on their arrival at Old Trafford. The Red Devils have won 2 of the last three encounters with the Citizens and the third one being a 0-0 draw at the Etihad. Moreover, playing at home, Manchester United hold a slight psychological edge over the visitors. Nevertheless September 10’s Derby promises to be a mouth-watering encounter. The bookmakers seem to be going for a home advantage, but I think there is value going against this as to me these two sides are equal.
Recommended Bet:
Man City to Win or Draw (Double Chance), Best Odds 4/6 @ Coral