The anticipated clash between Manchester City and Manchester United is set for Sunday, December 15, 2024, at the Etihad Stadium, with the match kicking off at 17:30 CET.
Currently, Manchester City, managed by Pep Guardiola, enters this pivotal encounter as the favorite, boasting about a 62% chance of victory according to betting odds. This season, the club has been struggling, managing only one win from their last ten matches, which places them fourth on the Premier League table, miles behind the current leaders, Liverpool. Recent results include a disappointing 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace and a 2-0 loss to Juventus in the Champions League, raising the stakes for the Cityzens as they look to reclaim their form.
On the other side of the pitch, Manchester United, now under the guidance of Rúben Amorim, is also searching for stability after parting ways with Erik Ten Hag following irregular performances. The Red Devils currently sit 13th, having only managed to secure 19 points from their 16 matches. Their latest league outing, which ended in disappointment against Nottingham Forest (3-2), highlighted their need for improvement, especially facing their local rivals.
Historically, the Manchester derby is known for its intense rivalry, with the two teams facing off 192 times across various competitions. Manchester United holds the edge with 78 victories, compared to Manchester City's 60 wins. Their most recent meeting took place on August 10, 2024, when City triumphed by winning 7-6 on penalties after a tightly contested Community Shield.
Looking at potential lineups for the upcoming game, City is expected to start with Ederson; Walker, Ruben Dias, Gvardiol, and Simpson-Pusey at the defense. The midfield will likely feature Gündogan and Matheus Nunes, supporting attackers Bernardo Silva, Kevin De Bruyne, and Grealish, with Erling Haaland leading the charge up front.
Manchester United’s lineup is likely to include Onana; Yoro, De Ligt, and Lisandro Martínez at the back, supported by Mazraoui, Mainoo, Ugarte, and Dalot. Bruno Fernandes, Garnacho, and Hojlund should bolster their offensive efforts.
This match is not only important for league positioning but also serves as a platform for both teams to assert dominance and regain confidence. Betting odds reflect the pressure on both teams, with odds for City to win at 2.60 if both teams score, and United triumphing at 5.50. Experts suggest City winning the match is highly probable as they seek to improve their standings and performance.
Fans can watch the eagerly awaited encounter live on several platforms including fuboTV, NBC Sports, and Telemundo on match day, as both teams look to secure the much-coveted bragging rights of the city.
