Manchester Utd vs Manchester City Prediction & Betting Tips (17 January)

Only 15th in the Premier League last year, Manchester United has regained a standing more in line with its ambitions this season. Indeed, the Red Devils today occupy 7th place in the standings, 3 points behind 4th place, the last qualifying seat for the next Champions League. They nevertheless displayed a detrimental irregularity which led to the dismissal of coach Ruben Amorim following a draw conceded at poorly ranked Leeds in early January 1-1. The results have not been better since. Under the orders of interim Darren Fletcher, Manchester United were held to a draw at relegated Burnley 2-2 before losing at home to Brighton in the FA Cup last weekend 1-2. On Wednesday, Michael Carrick was inducted onto the bench. Manchester City is currently 2nd in the Premier League and is 6 points behind 1st place.

Authors of a sluggish start to the championship, the Skyblues then found the right fuel to get closer to leader Arsenal. Unfortunately, after stringing together six wins in a row, they let precious points slip away during the last three days. Manchester City were held to a draw by Sunderland 0-0, Chelsea 1-1 and Brighton 1-1. Last weekend, Pep Guardiola's gang left Exeter with no chance as they entered the FA Cup 10-1. This week, Manchester City won at Newcastle in the League Cup semi-final first leg 0-2. 

For this meeting, Manchester United must do without potentially starting defender De Ligt, who has not sufficiently recovered from his physical problems. In addition, the young Lacey is suspended while the Moroccan full-back Mazraoui is still affected by the CAN. Recently eliminated, the important attackers Mbeumo (6 goals in PL) and Diallo (2 goals and 2 assists in PL) are, for their part, uncertain. Rather disappointing since his arrival, striker Sesko (4 goals in PL) has found the net 3 times in the last 2 matches. He could be supported by captain Bruno Fernandes (5 goals and 8 assists in PL) and Brazilian international Matheus Cunha (4 goals in PL). Several elements are forced to withdraw from Manchester City.

This is the case of important defenders Ruben Dias and Gvardiol, experienced defender Stones, long-term missing midfielder Kovacic as well as replacement wingers Savinho and Bobb. Added to this is the absence of Egyptian striker Marmoush due to his participation in the CAN. Recently eliminated, Algerian full-back Aït-Nouri is uncertain. In the offensive sector, we could find the influential Cherki (2 goals and 7 assists in PL), Foden (7 goals and 2 assists in PL) and Haaland (20 goals and 4 assists in PL). Scorer last weekend for his first match and this week against Newcastle, winger Semenyo (10 goals and 3 assists in PL) came to strengthen the Skyblues this winter. 

• Summary: Manchester United is going head to head with Manchester City starting on 17 Jan 2026 at 12:30 UTC at Old Trafford stadium, Manchester city, England. The match is a part of the Premier League .
• Referee: Anthony Taylor
• Manchester Utd Feedinco Rating: 6.85
• Manchester City Feedinco Rating: 7.01