Premiership Betting Preview: The Manchester Derby

Rivalry between football teams rarely gets fiercer than when Manchester United and Manchester City clash. City have struggled to compete at the very top level of the British game, whilst United have been a dominant force for many years now.

Despite the gulf in form and honours between United and City over the last twenty years, games between the two Manchester giants are not often the most predictable affairs. City have often punched above their weight and taken points from their neighbours. A high tempo game is usually the order of the day which can easily lead to mistakes, X-rated tackles and plenty of yellow cards.

The early kick-off will suit Manchester City. United had to come from behind to beat Benfica on Wednesday in a draining match for the Red Devils. Another big game so soon may catch United off guard.

The 1/3 for an outright United victory, available at Mansion, offers very little in the way of value. The draw at 3/1 is a much more attractive bet. Punters with a bet on the City win will think Christmas has come early if the blues take all three points! So, forget about backing City and look elsewhere for a profit from this game.

The Asian Handicap market at Mansion (-0,-0.5) is a better punt for United fanciers. If the free flowing, free scoring Manchester United turn up for this derby game then City will struggle to cope. United should take this by two or three goals and it's hard to see City scoring against a very good United defence. The 1.86 on the Asian is a good looking bet.

My only worry, as already stated, is the lack of rest time for United between this game and the midweek Benfica match. If United are to truly put Chelsea to the test this season, then another win here will pile on the pressure for the current champions before they take on Arsenal on Sunday.

Ed note: Make your bets on this match and other Premiership games at Mansion Sports Exchange and pay 0% commission

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