Manchester City FC vs Manchester United FC, English Premier League 2025-26, Today Match Prediction

Manchester City FC vs Manchester United FC Match Prediction & Analysis

The first Manchester Derby of the season is here, with the Etihad set to host the blockbuster clash on Sunday night. A perfect way to end the weekend, City will be eager to bounce back after suffering two defeats on the trot, needing a response to halt their slide. United, on the other hand, couldn’t have asked for a better moment to face their rivals, sensing an opportunity to exploit City’s transition phase. 

Current Standings: City’s sluggish start has left them languishing in 13th with just 3 points, while United, not much better, sit 9th on 4 points—setting up a derby between two giants desperate to find their rhythm.

Head-to-Head Record: In 56 matches that have been played between the teams, City holds an advantage in this rivalry with a 26-20 win record.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Manchester City FC Preview

It’s uncharted territory for Pep Guardiola and Manchester City, who find themselves in the bottom half after just three games. Back-to-back defeats, including a 2-1 collapse against Brighton despite taking the lead, have raised serious concerns. 

Even Rodri’s presence couldn’t prevent City from being undone on the counter-attacks, an alarming trend in successive matches. As they face United on Sunday, how Guardiola addresses this flaw could shape the course of their season.

Stats that matter 

1. City lost the first of their three Premier League games for the first time since the 2004-05 season.
2. Against Brighton, City ended with an xGA of 2.30 and a xG of 1.82.
3. City weren’t short of chances against Brighton, firing 12 shots with 7 on target, but it was Haaland who carried the bulk of the load, accounting for 7 attempts himself, 3 of which tested the keeper.

Team News 

Guardiola heads into the derby with a growing injury list—Cherki, Gvardiol, Marmoush and Khusanov are all ruled out—while questions linger over whether new signing Donnarumma will be handed the gloves.

Manchester City Probable XI - Trafford (GK); Lewis, Stones, Ruben Dias, Ake (Defenders); Nico González, Reijnders, Bernardo Silva (Midfielders); Bobb, Haaland, Doku (Forwards). 

Manchester United FC Preview

Like his counterpart, Amorim has struggled to rebuild during United’s transition, but the pressure on him has been far greater—especially after the Carabao Cup disaster against Grimsby. A scrappy 3-2 win over Burnley bought him some breathing space, but the noise will return if the derby goes wrong. 

That said, Amorim’s philosophy this season has centered on direct, vertical football with quick counters designed to get in behind defenses. Against a City side that has struggled with counters, it might just be the perfect weapon to tilt Sunday’s clash in United’s favour.

Stats that matter 

1. Amorim's men have made the most off-ball runs in behind their opponent’s defensive line in the Premier League this season (131), with Mbeumo responsible for 54, the most of any player.
2. United's captain Bruno Fernandes has created the most chances (12) in the Premier League this season so far.
3. The Red Devils have taken 58 shots in this season, which is 14 more than the next best. 

Team News 

United have a few fitness headaches heading into Sunday’s derby. Matheus Cunha’s hamstring scare kept him out of Brazil duty, though he’s pushing to be fit in time. Mason Mount and Diogo Dalot remain doubtful, adding to the uncertainty. And between the sticks, the big question lingers—will it be Bayindir or new arrival Sanne Lammens who gets the nod?

Manchester United  Probable XI - Bayindir (GK); Yoro, De Ligt, Shaw, Mazraoui ( Defenders);  Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes, Amad (Midfielders);  Sesko, Mbeumo, M Cunha ( Forwards) 

MANCHESTER CITY FC vs MANCHESTER UNITED FC
Winning Prediction

Manchester United head into the derby with history on their side, having been Guardiola’s biggest stumbling block in the Premier League—responsible for a quarter of his league defeats at City. 

The visitors are chasing back-to-back wins at the Etihad for the first time since 2021, and with the home side winning just six of the last 20 Manchester derbies, the pressure is firmly on Guardiola, who may well settle for a point this time. 

We predict a Draw (2-2)

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