It’s a clash of two Premier League titans this Sunday – or at least they used to be – as the suddenly vulnerable Man City host the always vulnerable Man United at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Peter Crouch weighs in on the state of the current champions and the club that was so used to being champions under Sir Alex Ferguson – and gives us his Bet Builder for Man City v Man United, of course.
And don’t forget, Paddy’s Super Sub offer means your bet rolls on even if your player selection gets taken off early… spooooky stuff!
Man City v Man United betting tips
Man City to win
Both teams to score – Yes
Erling Haaland to score
Rasmus Hojland to have 2+ shots
Bruno Fernandes to commit 1+ fouls
A bet builder with these selections pays at approximately 7/1 with Paddy Power. CLICK HERE TO ADD TO YOUR BETSLIP
WHEN: Sunday, December 15, 4:30pm
WHERE: Etihad Stadium, Manchester
TV: Sky Sports Main Event, Premier League
It doesn’t look like things are changing back to the norm at Man City, let’s be honest.
They looked devoid of ideas against Juventus in midweek. They were just passing it about, very stationary. They had lots of possession but no real cutting edge.
Erling Haaland didn’t look himself either. The midfield was disjointed. Kevin De Bruyne was probably one of their better players and they’d hope getting him back to full fitness will make a difference, but there wasn’t much sign of it the other night.
They just looked like they were never going to score.
It shows how confidence really affects everyone, even a team that’s won as much as City.
Rio Ferdinand said it on the TNT coverage of the game, even the very best players in the world can take a hit to their confidence and once you get into a rut it can be very hard to get out.
You need to show your strength of character at times like this.
This is by far the worst run Pep Guardiola’s had to deal with too as a manager.
It was a surprise that he signed the new contract. Usually, at his previous clubs, he’s done four or five years and taken a rest. And it feels like the team might need that rest and refresh too.
When you work as relentlessly at that elite level for so long it’s very hard to maintain it.
BERN, SWITZERLAND – OCTOBER 25: Manchester City Head Coach Pep Guardiola walks in the field during the UEFA Champions League Group Stage match between BSC Young Boys and Manchester City at Stadion Wankdorf on October 25, 2023 in Bern, Switzerland. (Photo by Marcio Machado//Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
This might’ve been the season to take that break but he’s decided to carry on and now he’s got to find a way to get out of this situation.
And I don’t think the team needs a complete overhaul.
I see people writing off Kyle Walker – I wouldn’t, he’s just having a rough run of form. Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, these are all quality players still. They just need to freshen things up a bit and add a few proper players, certainly in midfield where they’re really missing Rodri.
Going and getting a result on Sunday against their local rivals wouldn’t be a bad start to turning things around, though beating City would be massive scalp for Ruben Amorim too, who has beaten them once already this season with Sporting.
Obviously he’s going into a difficult situation taking the United job and I’d imagine the last few games have been an eye-opener for him, particularly the Forest game where there were so many sloppy mistakes.
But there were some good points too. He talked about it taking time, which is true, but the problem is at a club like Man United, you won’t get a lot of it.
Man City to win
Both team to score – Yes
If ever there was a blueprint to beat City, it’s the Juventus game on Wednesday though – they defended solidly and City had no idea how to break through.
If United can do similar they will be in this game, it should be a lot tighter than many expect.
I’d see United scoring and was tempted to go for a draw here because of the way City have been playing, but I think they will probably just edge it in the end. I’m thinking 2-1 to Man City.
Erling Haaland to Score
Even if he wasn’t in it much versus Juve, you can’t really look beyond Erling Haaland as a threat for City. He might have quiet games but you always have to worry about him, and if City score, he’s the likeliest to do it.
Rasmus Hojlund to have 2 or more shots
I’ve been impressed by Amad Diallo for United. He’s looks like he can make chances and score as well.
I’d expect Rasmus Hojlund to start up-front though and he’s their sharpest goal threat at the moment. I’ll go for him to have a couple of shots at least.
Bruno Fernandes to commit 1 or more fouls
Bruno Fernandes is always likely to pick up a card in a game like this and taking him to commit at least one foul is an easy choice.
Peter Crouch’s Man City v Man United Bet Builder tips
Man City to win
Both teams to score – Yes
Erling Haaland to score
Rasmus Hojland to have 2+ shots
Bruno Fernandes to commit 1+ fouls
A bet builder with these selections pays at approximately 7/1 with Paddy Power. CLICK HERE TO ADD TO YOUR BETSLIP
* All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
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