On Saturday evening there is one of the biggest games of the Premier League season, as current champions, Manchester City, welcome their fierce rivals, Manchester United to the Etihad Stadium.

Manchester City will be disappointed with their title defence so far this season and come into the first Manchester derby of the season 11 points behind current leaders, Liverpool. This gap might be bigger depending on how the Reds have got on in their earlier kick-off at Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon.

City have already lost three league games this season, which is significant as they only lost four games during the whole of last season. Another disappointing result at struggling Newcastle last Saturday saw them concede a late goal to draw 2-2, but they bounced back with an impressive performance at Burnley in midweek. Goals from Gabriel Jesus (2), Rodri and Riyad Mahrez secured a comfortable 4-1 win at Turf Moor.

However, a late Robbie Brady goal for the Clarets meant that City have now conceded in each of their last five Premier League games, which have all seen both teams score and there be over 2.5 goals.

Manchester United come into the game off the back of an encouraging 2-1 home win against Tottenham Hotspur in midweek. A double from Marcus Rashford saw United go above Spurs and into sixth place, extending their unbeaten league run to four games. It was also the Red Devils fourth game in a row that has seen both teams score and over 2.5 goals. However, United have won just one game away from home this campaign, a 3-1 victory at struggling Norwich at the end of October. They have since gone on to lose 1-0 at Bournemouth and draw 3-3 at Sheffield United.

Head-to-Head

In recent seasons, Manchester City have been on top in the head-to-heads, winning three of the last four meetings between the sides in the Premier League. Interestingly, David Silva has found the net in each of those three wins for the Blue side of Manchester.

City won both games last season, winning 3-1 at the Etihad, before a 2-0 win at Old Trafford in April. However, that win at the Etihad was City’s first success at home against United since a 1-0 win back in 2014.

Stats 

Three of the last four Premier League games between the clubs has seen over 2.5 goals, and thirteen of City’s 15 league games have yielded over 2.5 goals.

Manchester United have scored just eight goals in their seven away league games so far, whilst Manchester City are averaging three goals per game at home in the league this campaign.

Prediction  

Both teams come into the game off the back of some decent form, which should make for a very interesting game. We certainly see goals, especially as both sides last four games have seen over 2.5 goals. We do see both teams scoring, with Kevin de Bruyne likely to get on the score sheet for the hosts, whilst Marcus Rashford can continue his excellent scoring form for the visitors.

City look very strong at home, whilst United have won just once away this campaign, which suggests maximum points will go to the Blue side of Manchester.

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