Football

Match Preview

Gambling

News

Manchester United vs Manchester City Preview: Odds, Tips, and Prediction

Date: Saturday, January 17 Venue: Old Trafford Kick-off: 12:30pm GMT A city divided by blue and red collide at Old Trafford on Saturday, January 17, when Manchester United host bitter adversaries Manchester City. The sacking of Ruben Amorim spelt an unhappy start to 2026 for United, with Darren Fletcher appointed as head coach on an interim basis. However, he saw his side frustrated by Burnley in a 2-2 draw last week. Monster showdowns, such as the Manchester Derby, are well advertised at the top football betting sites. There will be a plethora of markets to engage punters, and a win for City is vital to ensure they remain in the title race. How will things transpire? SportsBoom has provided a full Manchester United vs Manchester City preview along with Premier League betting insights for this game.

Charles Perrin

Sports Writer

Last updated: 2026-01-09

Fact checked by:

Chad Nagel

Sports & Betting Editor

5 minutes read

SportsBoom offers honest and impartial UK bookmaker reviews to help you make informed choices. While we may earn commissions through affiliate links, our content remains independent and free from promotional influence. For more information, see our Content Transparency and How We Review pages.

Luke Shaw of Manchester United attempts to stop Erling Braut Haaland

Luke Shaw of Manchester United / Getty Images

Table of Contents

City, meanwhile, continue to drop points in their pursuit of the title, and they had to settle for a 1-1 draw at home to Brighton. Nevertheless, a trip across town to face United may boost their spirits, given they thrashed the Red Devils 3-0 in the corresponding fixture at the Etihad in September.

Pre-Game Odds and Win Probability: City Heavy Favourites

Ahead of kick-off, we’ve revealed the latest pre-match odds available at one of the trusted UK betting sites.

Home: 11/4 (3.75) – 26.7%
Draw: 3/1 (4.00) – 25%
Away: 31/40 (1.78) – 56.3%
*Odds courtesy of Betway, subject to change.

Head-to-Head Record

Premier League head-to-head records offer interesting glimpses leading into a game, so let’s unravel the most recent meetings between United and City.

Last Five Meetings (Premier League)

14/09/25: Manchester City 3-0 Manchester United
06/04/25: Manchester United 0-0 Manchester City
15/12/24: Manchester City 1-2 Manchester United
03/03/24: Manchester City 3-1 Manchester United
29/10/23: Manchester United 0-0 Manchester City

Manchester United Current Form – LWDDD

The departure of Amorim was slightly surprising, although there were some frosty pre-match interviews, and the Portuguese tactician was unwavering in his side’s style of play.

Amorim stuck by his principles, and although he left United when they were in sixth spot in the table, they have struggled to recapture the glory days of when Sir Alex Ferguson was in charge. They are searching for their first league win of 2026.

In the previous meeting at Old Trafford last term, United offered little going forward, but dug in to claim a goalless draw. They will need to show more attacking endeavour if they are going to get anything against City.

Key Players to Watch

Benjamin Sesko
Although he has been subdued at times, he sprang into life against Burnley, helping himself to a double, and both finishes were sharp. This could be the catalyst to start banging in the goals.
Bruno Fernandes
He’s often a bit hot-headed, but Bruno Fernandes is a midfield metronome who doesn’t mind trying out new things. Fernandes has scored three times in his past four league appearances, so he’s in form.
Ayden Heaven
Although Ayden Heaven has come in and out of the side, he’s only 19. He showed what he can produce against Burnley, almost scoring with a spectacular left-footed strike that crashed off the bar.

Manchester United News

United’s injury problems have lightened with Kobbie Mainoo returning to action against Burnley. The only player waiting to return to the fold is Matthijs de Ligt, who has had a back problem, but it remains to be seen whether Fletcher will pick him.

Manchester City Current Form – WWDDD

Despite being unbeaten since a 2-1 defeat away to Newcastle in November, City have been held to three draws in a row. The most recent of these was against Brighton, and they ought to have killed the plucky Seagulls off.

Pep Guardiola’s men may be the league’s top scorers (45 and counting), but there is still an over-reliance on Erling Haaland. If he fires a blank, the goals aren’t as forthcoming.

Nevertheless, a victory is crucial at Old Trafford if City are going to stay in touching distance of league leaders Arsenal.

Key Players to Watch

Erling Haaland
An obvious threat, Haaland is the league’s leading marksman with 20 goals to his name, which is extraordinary. He’s usually deadly, and he grabbed a double against United at the Etihad, so the Red Devils need to stifle him.
Bernardo Silva
A wizard on the ball, Bernardo Silva reminds us of a certain David Silva, who used to light things up for City. Bernardo, though, would like to add a few more goals to his game and cut down on the yellow cards.
Jeremy Doku
His electric pace and mazy dribbling skills make Jeremy Doku box-office viewing. The Belgian midfielder, however, needs a goal as he hasn’t scored since City’s 3-0 win over Liverpool at the start of November.

Manchester City News

City are still missing a few players, including Mateo Kovacic (ankle) and Ruben Dias (muscle), and they are likely to be unavailable to face United.

Predicted Line-Ups

Manchester United (4-2-3-1)
Lammens; Dalot, Heaven, Martinez, Shaw, Ugarte, Casemiro, Cunha, Fernandes, Dorgu; Sesko
Manchester City (4-1-4-1)
Donnarumma; Nunes, Khusanov, O’Reilly, Ake, Gonzalez, Silva, Reijnders, Foden, Doku; Haaland

Suggested Bets

Premier League sportsbooks house plenty of odds, and we’ve got some eye-catching football betting tips for you to consider.

Over 1.5 Goals: Although the most recent clash at Old Trafford was a drab draw, this game usually provides goals, and the Over 1.5 line seems a decent shout. (1/7 with William Hill)
City to Win Either Half: In the past two league meetings, City have won at least one half, and their pedigree speaks volumes, so this line shouldn’t be discarded. (2/5 with Midnite)
Both Teams to Score: Apart from last season, there hasn’t been a goalless draw for over four years. The BTTS line is worth checking out. (1/2 with Unibet)

Value Bets

First Team to Score - United: Backed by a febrile crowd, United will be fired up, and they could break the deadlock. (7/5 with Bet442)
Draw: Often, the Manchester Derby is overhyped, and last season’s clash was hardly a thriller. A draw could be on the cards. (3/1 with Spreadex)
Erling Haaland to Score 2 Goals: Haaland fired a hat-trick against United a few years ago, and earlier this season, he netted a double. He could pop up with another brace. (5/2 with BetMGM)

Prediction: Draw

Derbies are usually given top billing for any round of Premier League fixtures, but sometimes they don’t live up to the hype. United are trying to regain their identity, while City have become the draw specialists with three on the bounce.

Although City need a win so they don’t lose sight of Arsenal, they could be frustrated, and they may have to settle for a point.

Charles PerrinSports Writer

Charles Perrin has spent over six years writing about sports betting, working with some of the UK’s top sportsbooks, including bet365 and William Hill.