Get ready for an exciting match as Manchester City takes on Manchester United on December 15, 2024. The game kicks off at the Etihad Stadium at 10:00 PM (IST). In the Premier League standings, Manchester City sits in 5th place. Meanwhile, Manchester United is in the 13th spot. Both teams are having a challenging time.
Manchester City, led by Pep Guardiola, is struggling with only one win in their last ten matches in all competitions. Manchester United, on the other hand, has mixed results. They’ve found some motivation from their recent successes in the Europa League, making this derby even more exciting.
Erling Haaland is a major threat for Manchester City, having scored 13 goals this season. However, he’s facing challenges due to injuries within the squad. Meanwhile, United’s Marcus Rashford has scored four goals, but he’s been under scrutiny and has not started in recent matches. Their last encounter saw Manchester United win 2-1 in the FA Cup, adding more intensity to this match. The weather is expected to be perfect, with mild temperatures and overcast skies, ensuring a high-paced game.
Manchester City vs Manchester United Prediction & Betting Tip
- Recommended bet: Manchester United to win
- Odds: 4.82
Manchester United’s recent FA Cup win over City gives them an edge. City’s defense is weak right now, worsened by Rodri’s absence in the midfield. United might take advantage of this gap. They’ve had important wins in Europe that boost their confidence. City’s one win out of ten games reveals their vulnerability, affecting their morale.
| Manchester City vs Manchester United Prediction | |
|---|---|
| Betting tip | Odds |
| Manchester United to win | 4.82 |
Manchester City vs Manchester United Odds
Manchester City is seen as the favorite, with odds of 1.62 for a home win. But, given their current struggles, these odds might not capture their true standing. A draw is set at 4.40, reflecting the likelihood due to both teams’ inconsistencies. United winning has longer odds at 4.82, showing their lower league position but also their potential for an upset given their recent form.
There’s a high chance of both teams scoring, with odds at 1.50, thanks to their b attacks and weak defenses. With over 3.5 goals pegged at 2.13, a high-scoring game is expected based on past matches.
Betting Odds
| Manchester City vs Manchester United Betting Odds | |
|---|---|
| Bet | Odds |
| Manchester City | 1.62 |
| Draw | 4.40 |
| Manchester United | 4.82 |
Manchester City vs Manchester United Live Streaming: Premier League
The Premier League live broadcast is present in India with the Star Sports Network. The live streaming of the matches is available on the Disney+Hotstar website and app. Fans can watch Manchester City vs Manchester United live streaming on Disney+Hotstar at 10:00 PM on Sunday, December 15).
Manchester City Team Analysis
Manchester City Recent Performance
City’s recent matches show mixed results. They’ve only won one of their last five games, indicating a rough patch. This includes a 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace and a 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest. Yet, losses to Liverpool and Juventus expose their defensive weaknesses. City has let in ten goals in these games, with only one clean sheet.
Their match against Juventus highlighted missed opportunities, with City controlling the ball but not scoring. However, winning the Community Shield on penalties against Juventus earlier is a positive outcome for them.
| Manchester City | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Juventus | Manchester City | 2 – 0 |
| Crystal Palace | Manchester City | 2 – 2 |
| Manchester City | Nottingham Forest | 3 – 0 |
| Liverpool | Manchester City | 2 – 0 |
| Manchester City | Feyenoord | 3 – 3 |
Manchester City Key Players
Erling Haaland leads City’s attack, with 13 goals showcasing his scoring abilities. In the midfield, Phil Foden adds creativity, but he needs to contribute more with key players injured. In defense, Ruben Dias aims to stabilize the backline amid injuries.
Bernardo Silva plays a deeper midfield role, controlling the game and possession against United’s b midfield. The pace and defensive skills of Joško Gvardiol and Kyle Walker are vital against United’s speedy attacks.
Savinho’s emergence on the wings could be crucial, adding depth and unpredictability to City’s offense. Matheus Nunes also plays a key part in linking defense and attack, becoming essential in City’s tactical plans.
Manchester City Suspensions & Injuries
City’s strategy is affected by significant injuries, especially Rodri’s long-term absence due to a cruciate ligament injury. These injuries hit City’s squad depth and tactical options. John Stones and Manuel Akanji are close to returning late December, creating defensive uncertainties. Nathan Aké and Oscar Bobb are also out, narrowing City’s defensive options. Guardiola must innovate, possibly shifting players to different roles or riskier formations.
| Player | Injury | Expected Return |
|---|---|---|
| Oscar Bobb | Broken leg | Early January 2025 |
| Rodri | Cruciate ligament injury | Out for season |
| John Stones | Muscle injury | Late December 2024 |
| Nathan Aké | Hamstring Injury | Early January 2025 |
| Manuel Akanji | Knock injury | Late December 2024 |
Manchester City Tactics and Formation
City is likely to play in a 4-3-3 formation, with possible shifts to a 4-2-3-1 due to injuries. Guardiola will count on Haaland leading the attack, supported by wingers Savinho and Matheus Nunes for penetrating attacks. Phil Foden’s expected to be the attacking link, driving their forward plays.
In defense, Walker, Dias, Simpson-Pusey, and Gvardiol will aim to stop United’s attacks amid ongoing injuries. With Rodri absent, Bernardo Silva will probably take on a deeper role, focusing on game tempo. City’s main challenge is to hold possession and exploit United’s weaknesses, requiring flexibility throughout the match.
Manchester United Team Analysis
Manchester United Recent Performance
United’s form is mixed, with two wins in their last five games. They recently won in the Europa League against Viktoria Plzen and had a 4-0 victory over Everton. Yet, losses to Nottingham Forest and Arsenal highlight ongoing inconsistencies, especially defensively.
Under Rúben Amorim, United aims for tactical flexibility and cohesion despite structural challenges. Their endurance faces tests as they balance Premier League and European campaigns.
| Manchester United | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Viktoria Plzen | Manchester United | 1 – 2 |
| Manchester United | Nottingham Forest | 2 – 3 |
| Arsenal | Manchester United | 2 – 0 |
| Manchester United | Everton | 4 – 0 |
| Manchester United | Bodoe/Glimt | 3 – 2 |
Manchester United Key Players
Bruno Fernandes is central to United’s play, linking midfield to attack. Marcus Rashford, despite criticism, will try to use his speed and finishing in counter-attacks. Rasmus Højlund’s role focuses on strength and presence, pressing against City’s defense.
Goalkeeper André Onana is key to stopping City’s attacks, needing calmness as defense shifts. Defensively, Lisandro Martínez brings tenacity and leadership to ensure stability. Alejandro Garnacho’s youthful energy threatens opponents and complements Fernandes from an advanced position.
Midfielders Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte are key to breaking up City’s play, needing energy to combat midfield battles.
Manchester United Suspensions & Injuries
United deals with defensive issues, with left-back Luke Shaw and Jonny Evans on the mend, expected back late December. These shortages challenge Amorim to explore tactical flexibility, possibly shuffling players to cover temporary gaps. United’s resilience is tested in maintaining balance despite these hurdles.
Strategic use of substitutes offers options to counter City’s strengths while keeping defense steady, allowing for adjustments that target City’s defensive weaknesses and support United’s attacking moves.
| Player | Injury | Expected Return |
|---|---|---|
| Jonny Evans | Knock injury | Late December 2024 |
| Luke Shaw | Hamstring Injury | Late December 2024 |
Manchester United Tactics and Formation
United might play in a formation shifting between 3-4-2-1 and 4-2-3-1 to address City’s weaknesses. Their plan highlights counter-attacks, exploiting City’s defensive lapses and using b positional play. Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo set the attack’s pattern, boosting forward pressure with smart moves from midfield.
The defense, led by Lisandro Martínez, Matthijs de Ligt, and Noussair Mazraoui, is vital to counter Haaland’s attacks. André Onana’s distribution could spark quick transitions, crucial against City’s high defense line.
United’s wing-backs, notably Diogo Dalot, strengthen both defense and attack, supporting protection while driving forward. Amorim’s strategy includes pressing hard to expose vulnerabilities in City’s usual handling of pressure.
Manchester City vs Manchester United Head-to-Head Statistics
Recent matches between City and United show a tightly contested rivalry with mixed results reflecting their competitive spirit. City won twice, while United claimed a significant victory, with two draws. A tense Community Shield earlier saw City win via penalties, adding intrigue to their ongoing rivalry.
In league matchups, City won 3-1, showing their attacking capabilities. However, United responded with an FA Cup win, hinting at their rise in key fixtures. These matches illustrate a balance of power that influences league standings and team dynamics.
| Home | Away | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Manchester City | Manchester United | 1 – 1 (Pen. 7-6) |
| Manchester United | Manchester City | 2 – 1 |
| Manchester City | Manchester United | 3 – 1 |
| Manchester United | Manchester City | 0 – 3 |
| Manchester United | Manchester City | 1 – 2 |
Venue and Weather
The game is hosted at the Etihad Stadium, known for its lively atmosphere and planned expansions to increase capacity and fan engagement. This home advantage aligns with City’s plans to bounce back during tough times.
The weather forecast for Manchester is mild, with temperatures around 11.29°C, ideal for a fast-paced, technical match. No rain means the pitch should be in great condition, allowing City to focus on quick ball movement and strategy.
Even with overcast skies, visibility remains good, providing ideal conditions for both teams’ strategic plans. Moderate wind speeds suggest passes, both short and long, should be stable.
These conditions will help showcase individual skills and team unity, without weather affecting tactics, setting up an exciting match between these fierce rivals.
