Premier League champions Manchester City host a resurgent Manchester United on derby day at the Etihad Stadium, where Pep Guardiola’s charges are favourite to exert their dominance over their rivals again. City sent the sky-blue half of Manchester into raptures when they thumped United 4-1 in March and many observers are anticipating a similar outcome today.
Below, we’ve presented a collection of stats for today’s game complete with key info about shots, xG, corners, cards and much more. We invite you to use the data when putting together your bet builders for the Manchester Derby. Good luck!
Predicted Lineups
John Stones picked up an injury while on international duty and the defender is expected to sit out today’s game. Pep Guardiola must decide whether to pair Ruben Dias with Manuel Akanji or Nathan Ake at centre-half.
Erling Haaland is the one to watch again up front. The Norwegian came close to joining United earlier in his career and he named the Red Devils as the team he looked forward to facing the most when quizzed in the summer.
Erik ten Hag is sweating on the availability of Marcus Rashford, though Cristiano Ronaldo is ready to step into the breach up front if required.
The biggest question marks surround the Dutch manager’s selection in midfield, however. Will he stick with Scott McTominay or will Casemiro finally earn a Premier League start? Will ten Hag be brave enough to play with just one holding player or will Fred be drafted in to solidify the centre?
Team Stats
Manchester City relinquished top spot to Arsenal before the international break, though they are still the division’s most prolific team. The Cityzens are hitting 3.29 goals per 90 minutes, while their shots for (16.90 p/90), xG for (2.36) and corners for (6.71) figures are also among the league’s best.
The champions have also collected fewer cards than any other Premier League team so far (5).
Manchester United’s goal difference for the campaign so far is natural and their shots for/against and shots on target for/against figures per 90 have a similar look.
Notably, their xG against (1.75 p/90) has been higher than their xG for (1.3), while United are also amassing plenty of cards (3.33 p/90). Indeed, only Fulham (21) have collected more cards so far than the Red Devils (20).
Player Shots and Shots on Target
Unsurprisingly, goal-scoring machine Erling Haaland tops the pile for City for both shots (2.52) and shots on target (4.26) per 90 this term, though fellow summer signing Julian Alvarez (2.12 SOT per 90) has also been turning heads when handed opportunities.
Kevin de Bruyne – who scored twice inside half an hour against United in March – also ranks well for shots per 90 (3.18) as does German international midfielder Ilkay Gundogan (1.96).
Record-signing Antony (4.74 shots p/90) has only made one Premier League appearance, though his impact was immediate against Arsenal. Cristiano Ronaldo still hasn’t notched a league goal this term, though it hasn’t been for the want of trying (5.09 shots p/90).
Christian Eriksen ranks well for shots (2.04) and shots on target (0.85) per 90 and his first Manchester United goal shouldn’t take long to arrive.
Player Goals and Assists
Erling Haaland has been setting a searing pace in the race for the Golden Boot and his incredible 11 goals in seven league appearances suggest he’ll take some stopping.
Portuguese maestro Bernardo Silva has provided five goal contributions (2G, 3A) as has Phil Foden (2G, 3A). Both have been eclipsed by creative lynchpin Kevin de Bruyne (6) in the assists department, however.
Marcus Rashford has scored three goals and created two more for Manchester United this season, so the 24-year-old’s absence today could be pivotal.
Jadon Sancho has shown flashes of class (2 goals) though Erik ten Hag will want Bruno Fernandes, Cristiano Ronaldo and Anthony Elanga to improve their output soon. That trio has notched just once between them so far.
Manchester City Cards
Versatile Portuguese star Joao Cancelo (2 cards) is a tactical fouling expert, as is Spanish midfielder Rodri (1.85 fouls per 90), so expect both to feature prominently when United launch counter attacks today.
Manuel Akanji (2.00 fouls p/90) is new to the Premier League and the burly defender could take time to remove some of the awkward elements of his game. He should be worth keeping an eye on if he starts.
Bruno Fernandes goes to ground very easily, much to the frustration of opposing players and fans, though the Portuguese midfielder also draws a decent number of fouls (1.67 p/90) and Rodri will be tasked with limiting his influence today.
Brazilian winger Antony (3.33 dribbles per 90) has a typically Brazilian skillset and he will hope to use his nifty footwork to trouble Joao Cancelo, while Manuel Akanji could face a different sort of test against the experience of Cristiano Ronaldo (fouled 1.67 times p/90).
Rodri vs Bruno Fernandes
Joao Cancelo vs Antony
Manuel Akanji vs Cristiano Ronaldo
Manchester United Cards
Manchester United have played with more aggression under the instruction of Erik ten Hag and their new front-foot approach has been yielding plenty of cards.
Scott McTominay (3.52 fouls p/90) has been cautioned four times in six Premier League appearances this season, while Diogo Dalot (2.03 fouls) has collected three. Bruno Fernandes (2 cards) has a petulant streak in midfield, while Argentinean Lisandro Martinez (2 cards) is fiery of character and he will bring plenty of attitude to the derby.
Jack Grealish is an expert at inviting mistimed challenges and the wide forward has been fouled 4.35 times per 90 this term. His battle against the impetuous Diogo Dalot should be interesting.
Bernardo Silva (fouled 1.40 times p/90) should run into compatriot Bruno Fernandes on occasion and little diplomacy is expected when they collide.
Lisandro Martinez’s no-nonsense approach could draw attention from referee Michael Oliver (3.33 cards per game), particularly when he tries to combat Kevin de Bruyne’s advances towards the United box.
Match-Ups to watch
Diogo Dalot vs Jack Grealish
Bruno Fernandes vs Bernardo Silva
Lisandro Martinez vs Kevin de Bruyne
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That’s it for this Stats Pack. I’m expecting a fiery Manchester Derby and honestly, I think it’ll be a great watch.
Best of luck if you’re having a bet today, and make sure to send in those winning slips. Remember to keep the stakes low and don’t get carried away with the game today.
