United's top six record to continue positive trend
This season’s fourth Manchester derby is the showpiece of this weekend’s Premier League action, with Pep Guardiola’s men embarking on their fifth consecutive away game on Sunday afternoon at Old Trafford. Both sides enjoyed FA Cup last 16 victories to nil in midweek, however the visitors had an extra day to recover from their excursion to Hillsborough, to which Sergio Aguero grabbed a second half winner. The evergreen Argentinian has a great record against Manchester United and comes into this match at 9/10 to score at anytime with 888sport.
Recent form
There is a 15-point gap between the two with Manchester United in fifth and City in second. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men are in prime position to qualify for the Champions League by occupying the spot offered up by the champions’ impending ban from the competition in fifth place. United have won two of the last three head-to-heads however the last one was a redundant 1-0 win at the Etihad Stadium seeing them go out in the League Cup semi-finals 3-2 on aggregate.
The Sky Blues have tightened up at the back lately, ruthlessly winning their last five on the bounce, four by a one goal margin. There have been under 2.5 goals in all of City’s last four and both teams have not got on the scoresheet in the Red Devils’ last six.
The Bruno Fernandes effect
Portugal international Fernandes has made an immediate impact for Solskjaer’s workmanlike United, scoring three goals and assisting two in his first seven appearances. Occupying the number 10 role usually behind Anthony Martial, he has raised the levels of the whole attacking contingent, the Red Devils are unbeaten in those seven since his arrival and nine in total.
The dynamic attacker has taken up penalty taking responsibilities, sticking away two out of two and is clocking up an outstanding season in front of goal, ahead of potentially playing a big role at Euro 2020. He has 18 goals and 16 assists from 35 games, nearly a goal involvement every single outing. Guardiola will have to prepare to combat the threat he poses.
Sergio Aguero
If there is a loss in motivation with very little to play for domestically for Manchester City, such that seems unlikely to happen under Pep Guardiola. You can always rely on the passion and skill of legendary striker Sergio Aguero. Now the fourth most prolific Premier League goalscorer seven goals behind Andrew Cole and 80 behind Alan Shearer, Aguero will be hungry to continue his upward trajectory and with his immaculate record of 0.69 goals per game there is always a good chance he breaches the backline.
United have performed well against the big teams this season and will take confidence from their two recent victories over City, they are a long shot to win the match, so I side with the Asian Handicap in this one.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
Manchester United have Ederson to thank for a 2-0 win thanks to goals from Anthony Martial and Scott McTominay.