Betting Tips: Manchester Derby :Tactical Analysis, Team News, Stats and betting guide
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Reading Time: 4min | Sun. 14.09.25. | 08:37
City have shown notable tactical weaknesses since last season and we look to understand how United can exploit them in this fixture.
The Etihad Stadium will host the 197th edition of the Manchester Derby, as the fierce rivalry takes centre stage once again this Sunday afternoon.
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Manchester City find themselves in unfamiliar territory, having lost two of their first three games for the first time since the 2004/05 season.
This is new for a Pep Guardiola side, as the Spanish tactician has never overseen such a poor start in his managerial career.
City currently sit 16th after Saturday's round of matches. With time to reflect, Guardiola will need to deliver a masterclass if his side is to bounce back quickly and remain in the title conversation.
City have won five of the last eight meetings between the two sides, but managed only a single point against United last season.
It is also interesting to note that Guardiola has lost only 16 matches at the Etihad, with four of those defeats coming against Manchester United.
Heading into the match, things don’t get any easier for Manchester City personnel-wise, as they are dealing with a raft of injuries.
The slow start to City’s season can be attributed to weaknesses that were already visible last year.
Three centre-backs are currently unavailable, with John Stones certain to miss the match. New signing Rayan Aït-Nouri has also joined Rico Lewis in the treatment room.
Egyptian international Omar Marmoush picked up an injury on international duty, adding to the absences of Ryan Cherki and Savinho.
The acquisition of Gianluigi Donnarumma has strengthened the goalkeeping department, while the return of Rodri should provide stability in midfield. He will be tasked with shielding the backline, as Tijani Reijnders and Bernardo Silva operate just behind Erling Haaland.
However, City’s vulnerabilities remain clear. Lack of intensity, spaces around the pivot, and defending set-pieces have all been exploited by opponents.
When teams have gone long, using direct balls and runners in behind, City have struggled to cope.
A side built on control and possession, they are often unsettled by unpredictability and chaotic passages of play.
Guardiola’s high press against stretched build-up has also been exposed, with opponents targeting City’s high defensive line and offside trap this season.
After a 3-2 win over newly promoted Burnley, Manchester United will look to build on that momentum as they aim for back-to-back victories at the Etihad for the first time in more than four years.
Though it is still early in the season, United have little room for error in their push for European qualification.
Head coach Reuben Amorim has won just eight of his last 30 matches in charge, with four of those victories coming against newly promoted sides — the Burnley win being the latest example.
United will also have to contend with key absentees, as Matheus Cunha, Diogo Dalot, and Mason Mount are all unavailable for this clash.
Amorim is expected to stick with Altay Bayındır in goal, judging by his comments in the pre-match press conference.
The double pivot of Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes is likely to be retained, while Benjamin Šeško is in line for his first start of the season, supported by Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo on the flanks.
To break down Manchester City tactically and expose their weaknesses, Amorim is likely to adopt a variety of approaches.
United will need a target man to hold up play and serve as an aerial outlet, with the team often going long from goal kicks.
To complement Šeško, United will rely on runners making incisive movements behind City’s high line to latch onto his flick-ons. Mbeumo fits this role perfectly.
A deep-lying playmaker will also be crucial, capable of delivering accurate long balls in behind. Bruno Fernandes is well-suited to conduct this role.
The debate over whether Fernandes should play deep or higher up the pitch has been ongoing, but in this match, deploying him deeper in possession could be more effective.
Amorim will also look to instruct his two players behind the striker to aggressively press Rodri, disrupting City’s rhythm and build-up play.
Key Pointers
United are winless in their last Six premier league away games.
City have lost their last two Premier league matches.
United won the last derby 2-1.
Manchester United have the highest attempted shots in the league-58
Our Prediction- Both teams to score
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