Match Pack: Manchester City vs Manchester United

As Manchester City prepares to host Manchester United in the Premier League clash on December 15th, the stage is set for another thrilling Manchester derby. Historically, the contest between these two teams has been tightly contested, with City securing 22 wins to United’s 20 in their last 47 encounters. However, recent form and statistics suggest City holds a significant edge, particularly given their strong home performance this season, where they have averaged 2.29 Points Per Game. In stark contrast, Manchester United has struggled on the road with just 0.86 Points Per Game.

The previous stalemate, a 0-0 draw, suggests United’s potential to hold City, but the current form disparity cannot be ignored. Manchester City’s attacking prowess is undeniable, and with the average of 2.89 goals in their encounters against United, goals are likely on the cards. The stat that both teams have scored in 53% of past fixtures also indicates a high likelihood of net action from both sides.

Given City’s formidable home form and United’s away struggles, Manchester City is favored to win this matchup. Expect City to dominate possession and create ample scoring opportunities. United will need a disciplined defensive display and a strategic counter-attacking approach if they are to salvage any points from this clash. However, the prediction tilts in favor of Manchester City securing a victory on their home turf.

Insights

• Manchester City has a slight historical edge over Manchester United with 22 wins in their past 47 meetings.
• The last match between these teams ended in a 0-0 draw, indicating potential for a tightly contested match.
• Manchester City shows strong home form this season with an average of 2.29 points per game.
• Manchester United has been struggling in away games, averaging just 0.86 points per game.
• Historical encounters between these teams have an average of 2.89 goals per game.
• Both Teams to Score (BTTS) has occurred in 53% of their past matchups, suggesting a good chance for goals from both sides.
• Manchester City generally performs well at home, making them favorites in this matchup.
• Manchester United’s away form is concerning, highlighting potential challenges for them in this game.
• The match may see over 2.5 goals based on historical averages between these teams.

Match Forecast

• Manchester City will likely dominate possession with their control-the-game style, but may be vulnerable to counter-attacks from Manchester United.
• Manchester United may exploit City’s weakness in aerial duels and defending attacks down the wings, especially using their left-flank attacking style.
• Manchester City could create numerous scoring opportunities through individual skill and set pieces, challenging United’s susceptibility to fouling in dangerous areas.
• Despite their strong possession approach, Manchester City might struggle defensively against Manchester United’s quick transitions, given their weakness in defending counter-attacks.
• Manchester United might find it difficult to convert chances due to their weak finishing, allowing City to capitalize on their defensive organization.
• Set-piece situations could be pivotal, with City’s strong ability in attacking and defending these being tested against United’s weakness in this area.
• Both teams carry a threat with long shots, given their play styles, but City’s ability to create from distance might tip the scales.
• Protecting a lead will be crucial, and both teams are skilled in this, likely leading to a tightly contested match if one takes the lead.

Match Facts

• The most frequent scoreline in encounters between Manchester City and Manchester United at City’s home ground is 0-1, occurring 6 times.
• The overall most common score in matches between Manchester City and Manchester United is 0-1, happening in 8 games.
• In the past 29 home games for Manchester City against Manchester United, City have emerged victorious 12 times, drawn twice, and United have won 15 times, with a goal difference of 46-41 favoring City.
• Across 66 total meetings, Manchester City have won 25 games, 9 matches ended in a draw, and Manchester United claimed victory in 32. The goal difference stands at 97-97 but is in favor of City.
• Last season, Manchester City defeated Manchester United in both encounters, 3-1 at home and 3-0 away.
• Manchester City scores 26% of their goals between the 76th and 90th minutes.
• Manchester United finds 26% of their goals between the 31st and 45th minutes.
• Manchester United have been unable to win in their last 7 away fixtures.
• In the last 3 home games against Manchester United, Manchester City have not faced defeat.
• Manchester City have failed to score in only 1 of their 7 home Premier League matches this season.
• Manchester United failed to score in 3 out of their 7 away Premier League games this season.
• Erling Haaland is the leading scorer for Manchester City with 13 goals, whereas Marcus Rashford has 4 goals for Manchester United.
• A year ago, Manchester United stood 6th in the table with 27 points, now they are 13th with 19 points.
• Manchester City wins the first half in 51% of their matches, whereas Manchester United do so in 37%.
• Manchester City secures 51% of half-time victories compared to Manchester United’s 37%.
• Manchester City triumphed in their last encounter with Manchester United.
• In their last meeting, Manchester City won by a margin of one goal.
• When leading 1-0 at home, Manchester City win 85% of their matches.
• When leading 0-1 away, Manchester United win 64% of their matches.
• If trailing 0-1 at home, Manchester City win 45% of their matches.
• In situations where they are 1-0 down away, Manchester United have never managed a comeback victory.
• Manchester United’s Premier League performance surpasses that of Manchester City.
• In their last 5 matches, Manchester United have shown better results than Manchester City.
• Manchester City have lost just 1 of their last 5 matches against Manchester United across all competitions.
• In the last 5 face-offs, Manchester City emerged victorious 4 times, while Manchester United won once, with no draws.
• Manchester City have only lost 1 of their last 5 Premier League games against Manchester United.
• Manchester United have managed to win just 1 of their last 5 Premier League contests against Manchester City.
• On average, Manchester City score 2 goals against Manchester United, who score 1.
• The average goal tally in meetings between these teams is 3.
• The average number of goals in the first half of encounters between these sides is 1.2.
• Neither team claimed victory in their most recent Premier League match.
• Manchester City average 2.39 goals at home, while Manchester United average 1.47 goals when playing away.