Man United vs Man City Prediction: Lineups, Odds and Stats

*Odds are subject to change.

As we enter matchday 22 of the Premier League (PL) season, Man United welcome their fierce cross-city rivals to Old Trafford.

United want to break into the top four, and City aim to close the gap on Arsenal in the title race.

The big kick-off is at 12:30 pm from Old Trafford on Saturday, 17th January 2026. Referee Anthony Taylor is tasked with keeping the action under control.

Man United vs Man City Prediction

In keeping with recent H2Hs, I expect a close battle where both sides are wary of losing to their local rivals. I see a draw (4.0 at Bet365) as the most likely outcome.

I can also see both teams scoring (1.48 at Coral) because the Manchester derby tends to feature plenty of goalmouth action. Also, Man City has scored 18 goals in ten PL away matches. United matched that figure in ten home league games.

Man United Analysis

Man United are seventh in the top-flight standings with 32 points in 21 fixtures (W8 D8 L5), just three points off fourth place. United have scored 36 PL goals but conceded 32 – the fourth-worst defensive record outside the relegation places.

Ruben Amorim’s shock early January departure leaves United in uncertain times. The Red Devils have one win in five. Last weekend, they lost 2-1 at home to Brighton in the FA Cup third round. Before that, draws at Burnley (2-2) and Leeds (1-1) followed a 1-1 home draw with Wolves.

New interim head coach Michael Carrick could set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo are back from African Cup of Nations (AFCON) duty. But Noussair Mazraoui is still away with Morocco. Matthijs de Ligt is doubtful with a back injury. Shea Lacey is Man United’s only suspended player.

Player in Focus

Benjamin Sesko hit a double at Burnley in game round 21. He now has four PL goals as he continues to adapt to the Premier League. Sesko anytime goalscorer is 3.30 with Ladbrokes.

Man City Analysis

Man City remain second in the PL table with 43 points from 21 matches (W13 D4 L4), six points behind Arsenal. City are the league’s leading scorers with 45 goals. But their home league record (W8 D2 L1) is superior to performances on the road (W5 D2 L3).

City boss Pep Guardiola has a confident squad, now unbeaten in 13 matches in all competitions. They’ve hit 14 goals in the last five matches (2.8 per match).

A 2-0 win at Newcastle in the EFL Cup semi-final first leg followed a 10-1 drubbing of Exeter City in the FA Cup. However, the Cityzens have drawn their last three PL games, including 1-1s with Brighton and Chelsea and 0-0 away to Sunderland.

Omar Marmoush is with Morocco at AFCON. Josko Gvardiol’s broken leg sidelines him until April 2026. Man City’s other injuries include Oscar Bobb (hamstring), Ruben Dias (thigh), Mateo Kovacic (heel), John Stones (thigh), and Savinho (health issues).

Man City have no suspended players for the trip across Manchester.

Player in Focus

New signing Antoine Semenyo could add another dimension to Man City’s attack. Two goals in his first two City matches hint at his potential. Semenyo is 3.25 (Bet365) to score at Old Trafford.

Man United vs Man City Possible Lineups

Man United (4-2-3-1): Senne Lammens – Diogo Dalot, Leny Yoro, Harry Maguire, Patrick Dorgu – Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte – Bruno Fernandes, Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha – Benjamin Sesko

Man City (4-1-4-1): Gianluigi Donnarumma – Matheus Nunes, Max Alleyne, Abdukodir Khusanov, Nico O’Reilly – Nico Gonzalez – Bernardo Silva, Jeremy Doku, Phil Foden, Antoine Semenyo – Erling Haaland

Man United vs Man City Head to Head

City lead the recent H2Hs with six wins in ten. But United and City have two wins each in the last five.

Over 2.5 goals were scored in eight of the last ten meetings, while both teams scored on seven occasions. Since May 2024, three of five games finished with over 2.5 goals and both sides scoring.

City has scored 21 goals (2.1 per game) in ten H2Hs. Man United scored 12 goals (1.2 per game) in those ten outings.

What Channel is Man United vs Man City on?

You can watch the Manchester derby on Sky Sports Main Event or Sky Sports Premier League. Live streaming is on Sky Go, Sky Go Extra, or NOW TV.

Manchester rivals to share the spoils

Man United and Man City will have to settle for a point apiece in a fascinating Manchester derby. Even if neither side stamps their authority, we should see both teams find the net.