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Undoubtedly the pick of the weekend’s Premier League fixtures, Manchester United host local rivals and fellow title challengers Manchester City on Sunday lunchtime.
This fixture is more significant than ever these days with the two teams evenly matched with regards to their ambitions for the season.
Quite simply, both teams are aiming to win the Premier League title and this means that there is much more than local pride at stake.
It wasn’t too long ago that City were a Division Two side and United the runaway Champions of England.
Now though, although the latter hasn’t changed too much, City’s surge towards the top of the tree has made things very interesting indeed.
Last year perhaps signalled the start of this great rivalry reaching a new level. City defeated United in the FA Cup semi-final and went on to claim their first major silverware of the new era.
This was labelled as just the start of their dominance and as things stand in the Premier League, this is proving true.
Roberto Mancini’s men are two points clear of their Manchester rivals after eight league games with United sacrificing top spot after dropping points against Liverpool and Stoke in recent weeks.
The winners of Sunday lunchtime’s contest know that they will end the weekend at the top of the Premier League and this is motivation enough for a cracking match.
As ever, the atmosphere is likely to be intense, the tackles will be flying in and with a significant number of match winners on either side; this game has the potential to entertain on all levels.
Match odds
As expected, this game is expected to be extremely tight. Manchester United’s home advantage makes them slight favourites at 2.10 (11/10), while City are 3.60 (13/5) to pick up the three points.
The draw is available at 3.40 (12/5) with Paddy Power, so there is not much to choose between each result.
Correct score
With the score expected to be extremely close as both teams are pretty evenly matched right now, a 1-0 victory either way might be the way to go.
For a narrow home win you can back a 1-0 victory to United at 8.00 (7/1) with SkyBet. Then for City to nick the points with a 1-0 scoreline, you can get odds of 13.00 (12/1) with Bet365.
You can also back their to be goals with a 2-2 draw available at 15.00 (14/1), while a repeat of last year’s scoreline in this fixture – a 2-1 win to United – can be backed at 9.00 (8/1)
First goalscorer
In a game as big as this, the first goal could be crucial as both teams look to set the tone. Who will get it though?
Wayne Rooney is the favourite to score first at 5.00 (4/1) and he is followed by strike partner Javier Hernandez who can be backed at 8.00 (7/1) with Ladbrokes.
City’s best bet to get the first goal is summer signing Sergio Aguero. He is available at 9.00 (8/1). Then if you fancy an outside bet in this market, the likes of David Silva, Ryan Giggs and Samir Nasri available at around 13.00 (12/1)
Recommended bets
The match to end 2-2 @ 15.00 (14/1)
Samir Nasri to score the first goal at 15.00 (14/1)
