Following a week of FA Cup and Carabao Cup action, the Premier League returns with a blockbuster weekend line-up.
Kicking things off on Saturday is the eagerly-awaited Manchester derby as United look to end their three-match losing run against their local rivals.
The Red Devils have crumbled in their last two derbies, losing 4-1 and 6-3 – both times at the Etihad Stadium.
Nevertheless, United look a far better proposition heading into Saturday’s encounter having won eight games in a row across all competitions.
Erik ten Hag’s men are on a serious roll, scoring 15 goals and conceding once in six games since returning from the World Cup break.
City, on the other hand, may not be at their fearsome best when they arrive at Old Trafford. Pep Guardiola’s side were dumped out of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday as Southampton pulled off a major shock by claiming a 2-0 win at St Mary’s.
The Sky Blues have also slipped up in the title race and have won just two of their last four Premier League games – dropping points against Everton and Brentford.
Despite their recent wobbles, the Citizens will take encouragement from their impressive run of results at Old Trafford.
Since 2017, Guardiola’s men have won five of their last seven trips, losing once back in 2020. However, continuing that run will prove tricky considering United have won nine straight games at home and are unbeaten at the Theatre of Dreams since September 8.
With City entering this game as favourites, this may be the perfect time to back the hosts at a more promising price. With that in mind, our tip is to back United in the outright market.
The other headline attraction of the weekend takes place in the capital as Tottenham and Arsenal square off in the 193rd North London derby.
The Gunners enter this fixture top of the Premier League table, boasting a four-point advantage over Man City.
Tottenham, on the other hand, are outside the top four, though a win over their neighbours could certainly revitalise their campaign.
Antonio Conte’s side are struggling to find consistency and haven’t won consecutive Premier League fixtures since early October.
From their last seven competitive outings, Spurs have picked up three victories and also suffered three defeats against Liverpool, Nottingham Forest and more recently, Aston Villa.
Arsenal, meanwhile, returned from the World Cup break in fine style, winning three of their last four matches.
Mikel Arteta’s men have scored 10 goals during this time and it’s no surprise to see them enter Sunday’s derby as favourites.
The Gunners haven’t won a North London derby away from home since 2014, though our recommendation is to back that run to end. Arsenal to win and over 2.5 goals is our tip.
Elsewhere, Liverpool will be looking to bounce back from their recent loss to Brentford when they take on Brighton.
This is a fixture which has seen the ‘both teams to score’ bet land in five of the last seven meetings.
Considering both clubs have been involved in high-scoring encounters since returning from the World Cup break, it may be worth backing that same bet again.
Speaking of goals, Chelsea could certainly do with scoring more of them. The Blues currently boast the lowest number of goals in the Premier League’s top 10.
Graham Potter is under growing pressure at Stamford Bridge, and that comes as no surprise considering his side have scored just four goals from their last eight competitive outings.
With that in mind, our recommendation is to back Crystal Palace to pile more misery on the Blues this Sunday.
The Eagles haven’t won this fixture since 2017, though now seems as good a time as any to finally break that sorry run.
Key stats
- Man Utd have conceded 10 goals in their last two games vs City
- Man Utd have won nine straight games at Old Trafford
- Arsenal have scored 10 goals in last four games
- Arsenal are winless away vs Tottenham since 2014
- Liverpool’s last six games have seen the ‘both teams to score’ bet land
- Chelsea have scored four goals across their last eight matches
Suggested bets
- Man United to beat Man City 3/1
- Arsenal to beat Tottenham and over 2.5 goals 12/5
- Brighton vs Liverpool – Both teams to score 1/2
- Crystal Palace to beat Chelsea 4/1
