Football betting: Noisy neighbours Manchester City to deafen Manchester United in derby
There is more than bragging rights at stake as Manchester City host Manchester United on Sunday.
Beyond the search for superiority in the playgrounds and pubs of the north west, this match could prove key in the final Premier League shake-up.
City, in fourth, are four points above their rivals and know victory could go a long way to ending United’s ambitions of Champions League qualification.
Manuel Pellegrini’s men still harbour championship hopes. Sitting 12 points behind Leicester, they can’t afford any more mistakes.
In 2014 they won their last five games to claim the title and in 2012 they took their final six. Pellegrini may well need a perfect nine this time.
Despite their inconsistencies, any team containing Sergio Aguero, David Silva and Yaya Toure can’t be discounted.
Betway make them 5/6 to take the three points, and I think they will. United simply haven’t been good enough and Louis van Gaal will surely leave in the summer.
Rumours over his future have helped create a toxic atmosphere, with abject performances and no inspiration.
United have netted once in their last two league games, are the division’s 11th-highest scorers, and couldn’t find a way past Joe Hart at Old Trafford.
David de Gea’s continued excellence has been one of few plus-points, but even he’ll struggle to keep out Aguero and team-mates.
City have only failed to score at home four times in the league since the beginning of the 2013-14 season.
A single goal should be enough, so spread bettors are advised to sell total goals at 2.55 with Sporting Index.
Pointers
Man City to win 5/6 (Betway)
Sell total goals 2.55 (Sporting Index)