October 25, 2015 14:05pm – Old Trafford

Its derby time in Manchester and with just two points separating the city rivals at the top of the Barclay’s Premier League, this Sunday’s game could significantly change the dynamic of the title race.

Defining game for Manchester clubs

United boss Louis van Gaal has suggested (via BBC) that a win against City will give his team genuine title aspirations. Victory would lift them above their rivals and could even leave them in first place depending on how Arsenal fare at home to Everton on Saturday night.

Of course, a United victory or a draw would also suit the other teams hoping to be in the mix come May. Arsenal could move into the top spot should the Red Devils win while a draw would leave the Gunners level on points with top-ranked City, albeit with an inferior goal difference.

A draw could also bring West Ham into the reckoning should they manage to dispose of Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea side at the Boleyn Ground on Saturday. For Manuel Pellegrini’s men, this game represents a chance to maintain two-point cushion over the rest of the field.

Recent form

Manchester United: WLWWWL

Manchester City: WWLLWW

Both teams have lost two pf their last six league games but City have won the last two in a row scoring eleven goals in the process. Although, both of those games were played at home against teams in the bottom-four .

United are coming into this game on the back of two tricky away matches. They bounced back from a 3-0 defeat against Arsenal to inflict the same score line on European hopefuls Everton. Their last six games have all produced Over 2.5 goals. City’s last four have also ended with more than 2.5 goals scored.

Prediction and best odds

City proved at the weekend that they can dominate teams without the likes of Sergio Aguero, David Silva and Aleksander Kolarov in the team. However, their absence may be more apparent when playing against teams at the business end of the table.

Both teams have been well-beaten in recent weeks but both are capable of utterly clinical performances, giving this year’s derby an intriguing air of unpredictability.

The bookies can barely separate the teams but have given the home side a slight edge in the Winners market. With such a fine margin between the teams, The Draw actually looks like a good bet for this game and can be backed at 12/5 with Bet365.

This can be enhanced to 10/3 by backing The Draw and Both Teams to Score, also with Bet365. Another market worth looking at is Total Goals – Over 2.5 which is available at 5/6 with Betfair.

So, let’s be bold and make a score prediction. With a draw and an Over 2.5 goal count expected, a Correct Score of 2-2 looks like the choice bet. Look for prices of 12/1 or over.