Manchester Derby Odds - Missing forwards hurt Man City against Man Utd
Man City fans liked their online betting chances against their bitter rivals, Man Utd, but that was before injuries and suspensions destroyed their group of forwards. The first edition of this season’s Manchester Derby takes place this Sunday, and the league champions will take advantage of Man City’s problems up front.
Manchester Derby Odds: Man Utd -161; Man City +475; Draw +318; Total 2.5
- WHAT: Soccer betting
- WHEN: Sunday, September 20, 8:30 AM ET
- WHERE: Old Trafford, Manchester
- KEY STAT: United have won five and drawn two of their last 10 against their city rivals
- PICK: Man Utd
Manchester Derby odds maker breakdown: The Storyline
This will be the 152nd time that these rivals clash, with Man Utd winning 61 and Man City taking 41. Man City spent over $165 million on players in the summer to try and swing the balance of power towards the Blues, and both currently sit on 12 points, three points behind first-place Chelsea.
Manchester Derby odds maker breakdown: Offense
Man City finally broke out of their offensive slump with a 4-2 win over Arsenal, but leading scorer Emmanuel Adebayor will miss this game due to a stamp on former teammate Robin van Persie. Adebayor still has to face charges for his goal celebration in front of the Arsenal fans. But Craig Bellamy and Shaun Wright-Phillips also scored, and Wright-Phillips was a constant threat down the right side of the field. However, Robinho and former Red Devil Carlos Tevez are both still injured. Man Utd got goals from Wayne Rooney, Ryan Giggs and Anderson in a 3-1 win over Tottenham despite being left with 10 men because of a dubious red card to Paul Scholes. Rooney is now tied for the league lead with five goals, and Antonio Valencia looked very good in their Champions League win against Besiktas, which is another weapon for the champions. Betting Edge: Man Utd
Manchester Derby odds maker breakdown: Defense
The Blues allowed their first two goals of the season, but in a game against Arsenal, who played an offensive type of game, goals are always going to be likely. Joleon Lescott was beaten for van Persie’s goal, but the Man City defense still held its shape against the free-flowing Gunners. Man Utd did exceptionally well while being a player down, and after they allowed Jermain Defoe to score in the first minute, they shut down Tottenham’s attack. Darren Fletcher has been excellent in the defensive-midfield role for Man Utd while Owen Hargreaves recovers from a long-standing knee problem, and Ben Foster is looking more and more comfortable while Edwin van der Sar heals a thumb and wrist injury. Betting Edge: Draw
Manchester Derby odds maker breakdown: Coaching
Mark Hughes was a legend during his seven years at Man Utd, but he was beaten twice last season by the man who nurtured both his playing and coaching career, Sir Alex Ferguson. But as manager of Blackburn, Hughes did sweep his old boss during the 2005-2006 season. Hughes has stated he’d love to manage at Man Utd in the future, but now that he’s on the Blues’ side, it’s tough to imagine that. Sir Alex gets the edge based on the “student-teacher” dynamic and his proven record in big games. Betting Edge: Man Utd
Manchester Derby odds maker breakdown: Notable Injuries
Man City’s attack has been hurt by injuries to Robinho, Carlos Tevez and Roque Santa Cruz, with the last two listed as very doubtful for this match. Midfielder Stephen Ireland is rated as doubtful with a foot problem. And of course, Adebayor is suspended. Hargreaves, van der Sar and Rafael are all still out, so no new injuries for Man Utd, but Scholes won’t play due to his red card. Betting Edge: Man Utd
Manchester Derby odds breakdown: Outlook and Pick
Man City’s 2-1 win in 2007 was their first victory at Old Trafford since 1974, and their sports betting chances were hurt even more with the suspension of Adebayor, easily their biggest goal threat. That means Bellamy will have to step up and finish for the Blues, and that’s a lot to ask of him against the talented Man Utd defenders. Take the Red Devils to win comfortably. TODD’S PICK: Man Utd; UNDER 2.5
For more soccer odds and props as we approach the World Cup, check out the offshore sportsbook at betonline.com. Todd Shale contributes soccer analysis to betonline.com.
