Manchester City vs Manchester United: 7/5 and 9/2 tips for Sunday's derby game
Fri, 12 Sep 2025
Fri, 12 Sep 2025
The Manchester derby takes centre stage this Sunday in a 4:30 pm BST kick-off at the Etihad Stadium.
Both clubs have stumbled through their opening three fixtures, and with bragging rights on the line, neither can afford another setback in this high-stakes clash.
Terry Foord picks out 7/5 and 9/2 bets for this highly anticipated Manchester derby clash.
Few would have expected both Manchester sides to sit outside the top eight after three games — especially City. Pep Guardiola’s men started the season as title favourites, but two defeats in three have drifted their price out to 15/2 third favourites.
City began with a comfortable 4-0 win at Wolves, but have looked shaky since. They’ve conceded four goals across their last two outings, allowed Brighton seven shots on target, and threw away a 1-0 lead at Brighton — a far cry from their usual dominance.
United’s start has been equally unconvincing. A narrow 1-0 defeat to Arsenal wasn’t disastrous given their seven shots on target, but a flat 1-1 draw at Fulham, a humiliating Carabao Cup exit to League Two Grimsby, and a nervy 3-2 win over Burnley — secured only by a 97th-minute penalty — paint a worrying picture. Errors from goalkeepers continue to undermine their defensive stability.
City have had the better of recent derbies, winning five of the last seven and six of the last eight Premier League meetings. United, however, will take confidence from their 2-1 win at the Etihad last December, while the most recent clash ended 0-0 at Old Trafford in April.
This derby may not produce the fireworks many expect. With players returning from international duty and both teams still searching for fluency, a tight, low-scoring contest looks more likely.
Goalkeeping is a subplot to watch — Gianluigi Donnarumma could debut for City, while United may turn to Senne Lammens. If Andre Onana or Altay Bayindir keep their place, their inconsistency could again play a role, but even so, I expect a cagey affair rather than a goal fest.
Bruno Fernandes has been central to United’s play, registering six shots and four fouls committed across three matches. Bryan Mbeumo (if selected) has been one of their brighter attacking sparks and could again be involved.
2.5pts – Under 2.5 Goals – 7/5 (Betway)
1pt Bet Builder – Under 2.5 Goals, Both Teams to Receive 1+ Cards, Fernandes 1+ Shot, Mbeumo 1+ Shot, Fernandes 1+ Foul Committed – 9/2 (Bet365)
0.5pt – Correct Score: 0-0 – 18/1 (StarSports)
Terry is a sports writer and tipster with two decades of betting industry experience, most recently featuring a long stint with Punters Lounge.
A keen follower of darts, snooker, football and many other sports, Terry loves getting creative to try and find an edge and particularly enjoys trying to factor the mental side of sport into his punting.
Away from the desk, he is also a long-suffering West Ham fan.
Terry is a sports writer and tipster with two decades of betting industry experience, most recently featuring a long stint with Punters Lounge.
A keen follower of darts, snooker, football and many other sports, Terry loves getting creative to try and find an edge and particularly enjoys trying to factor the mental side of sport into his punting.
Away from the desk, he is also a long-suffering West Ham fan.
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We're delighted to confirm the arrival of Gianluigi Donnarumma! ✍️
