Manchester United have a new manager at the helm at Old Trafford and will be desperate to secure a statement victory against their neighbours. The pressure is on to convert home advantage into a tangible result, especially given the defensive frailties of the visitors.
Manchester City arrive at the derby with their defensive lineup in tatters due to a lengthy injury list. Despite this, their attacking quality remains formidable, and they know that a victory on enemy soil would be a significant boost to their title aspirations.
This derby is defined by the challenges facing both managers. With key defenders absent for both United and City, tactics will be crucial. Expect a game where attacking prowess is likely to overshadow defensive solidity.
Our AI Predictions for the Match Between Manchester United and Manchester City
To provide the most comprehensive betting insights, we have collated predictions from three of the industry’s leading AI models: ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini. Each model offers a distinct prediction on a key match market, presented as a straightforward bullet point. Their official logos are displayed for clarity, and for those wishing to explore the analysis further, you can click on each prediction to reveal the detailed reasoning and data that informed the AI’s conclusion.
BTTS offers value as both teams possess attacking threat and have recently been conceding, with United scoring at home and City typically scoring even when exposed defensively.
claude
Prediction of AI claude modelManchester City to Win
Claude prioritises markets that favour an away win despite City’s injury crisis. Manchester City’s superior head-to-head record at Old Trafford and their clinical attacking threat through Haaland and De Bruyne underpin the visitors’ pick. United’s defensive vulnerabilities and City’s desperation for points after recent poor form make this a value selection at 47/50 and 19/20.
Gemini prioritises the Over/Under market where value is clear. Both Manchester clubs possess formidable attacking talent, and with significant defensive injury crises plaguing both sides, a high-scoring encounter is anticipated. Historical head-to-head data also suggests goals are likely in this derby.
Why we chose the prediction we did from the options that were available to us?
Both Teams to Score is my top pick for this Manchester derby given the stats surrounding both teams’ attacking and defensive records. Manchester United have scored in 86% of their matches and have averaged 1.80 goals per game at home . Meanwhile, Manchester City, scoring in 80% of their games away, have averaged 1.85 goals per match . Both teams are involved in games with high-scoring potential, and while City are strong offensively, they have conceded in 50% of their away games . With both teams capable of finding the net, this fixture has the perfect setup for a BTTS bet.
Value Bets from Our Algorithm
Our value bets are identified by an algorithm that analyses a vast range of football data points, moving beyond simple win-loss outcomes. It evaluates factors such as recent form, head-to-head records, expected goals (xG), and, crucially for this match, the impact of injury news. By weighing these variables against market odds, the algorithm pinpoints bets that offer the strongest statistical value for this Premier League showdown.
Despite a severe injury crisis in defence, Manchester City’s superior attacking quality is expected to overcome Manchester United’s inconsistent home form.
Bet 2
Both Teams to Score — Our model leans towards Yes.
With key defenders missing for both teams and potent attackers like Haaland, Fernandes, and Foden on the pitch, it is highly probable that both sides will score.
Given Manchester City’s overall strength and Manchester United’s struggles for consistency, it’s highly unlikely the visitors will leave Old Trafford with a defeat.
Player Focus Bets
Based on recent form and historical data, our top picks for the Anytime Goalscorer market in this match between Manchester United and Manchester City:
Bruno Fernandes is a strong option in the anytime goalscorer market because he remains Manchester United’s main attacking reference point in big games. He has 5 Premier League goals this season, averages 2.6 shots per game, and plays the full 90 minutes more often than not, which is crucial for this type of bet. With his willingness to shoot from range, arrive late into the box, and take on high-responsibility moments, Fernandes consistently puts himself in goal-scoring positions, making him a solid anytime scorer candidate in a high-tempo derby. (Manchester United)
Erling Haaland is always a standout option in the anytime goalscorer market due to the sheer volume and quality of chances he gets. He has already scored 20 Premier League goals this season, averages 4 shots per game, and consistently posts elite numbers across all competitions. City’s attack is built to supply him in high-value areas, and even in tight derby matches, one clear chance is often enough for Haaland to make the difference, which is exactly why he remains such a strong anytime scorer pick. (Manchester City)
Odds Boosts, Free Bets & Specials for Manchester United vs Manchester City
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10 Jan 2026 –
FA CupManchester City10 : 1Exeter City
07 Jan 2026 –
Premier LeagueManchester City1 : 1Brighton & Hove Albion
04 Jan 2026 –
Premier LeagueManchester City1 : 1Chelsea
01 Jan 2026 –
Premier LeagueSunderland0 : 0Manchester City
27 Dec 2025 –
Premier LeagueNottingham Forest1 : 2Manchester City
20 Dec 2025 –
Premier LeagueManchester City3 : 0West Ham United
WINS4
DRAW2
LOSSES0
Average Stats (Last 8 Matches)
23 Total goals
38% BTTS
20 Goals scored
3 Goals conceded
38% Over 2.5
38% Under 2.5
10 Jan 2026 –
FA CupManchester City10 : 1Exeter City
07 Jan 2026 –
Premier LeagueManchester City1 : 1Brighton & Hove Albion
04 Jan 2026 –
Premier LeagueManchester City1 : 1Chelsea
20 Dec 2025 –
Premier LeagueManchester City3 : 0West Ham United
17 Dec 2025 –
EFL CupManchester City2 : 0Brentford
06 Dec 2025 –
Premier LeagueManchester City3 : 0Sunderland
WINS4
DRAW1
LOSSES1
Average Stats (Last 6 Matches)
21 Total goals
67% BTTS
13 Goals scored
8 Goals conceded
83% Over 2.5
17% Under 2.5
01 Jan 2026 –
Premier LeagueSunderland0 : 0Manchester City
27 Dec 2025 –
Premier LeagueNottingham Forest1 : 2Manchester City
14 Dec 2025 –
Premier LeagueCrystal Palace0 : 3Manchester City
10 Dec 2025 –
Champions LeagueReal Madrid1 : 2Manchester City
02 Dec 2025 –
Premier LeagueFulham4 : 5Manchester City
22 Nov 2025 –
Premier LeagueNewcastle United2 : 1Manchester City
Starting XI
4-1-4-1
Possible Lineup
25Gianluigi Donnarumma
33Nico O'Reilly
45Abdukodir Khusanov
6Nathan Ake
27Matheus Nunes
42Antoine Semenyo
47Phil Foden
16 Rodri
10Rayan Cherki
20Bernardo Silva
9Erling Haaland
Substitutes
1James Trafford
18Stefan Ortega
21Rayan Ait-Nouri
82Rico Lewis
68Max Alleyne
91Stephen Mfuni
4Tijjani Reijnders
11Jeremy Doku
14Nico Gonzalez
Suspension
None reported
Injured
1Josko Gvardiol Calf/Shin/Heel Injury
2Mateo Kovacic Ankle/Foot Injury
3John Stones Thigh Injury
4Ruben Dias Thigh Injury
5Oscar Bobb Thigh Injury
6Omar Marmoush African Cup of Nations
7Savinho Currently Being Assessed
Note: Official lineups are typically confirmed 60 minutes before kick-off. These predictions are based on the latest team news and recent selections.
Manchester United vs Manchester City Head-to-Head Record
14 Sep 2025 –
Premier LeagueManchester City3 : 0Manchester United
06 Apr 2025 –
Premier LeagueManchester United0 : 0Manchester City
15 Dec 2024 –
Premier LeagueManchester City1 : 2Manchester United
10 Aug 2024 –
Community ShieldManchester City8 : 7Manchester United
25 May 2024 –
FA CupManchester City2 : 1Manchester United
03 Mar 2024 –
Premier LeagueManchester City3 : 1Manchester United
29 Oct 2023 –
Premier LeagueManchester United0 : 3Manchester City
03 Jun 2023 –
FA CupManchester City1 : 2Manchester United
14 Jan 2023 –
Premier LeagueManchester United2 : 1Manchester City
02 Oct 2022 –
Premier LeagueManchester City6 : 3Manchester United
06 Mar 2022 –
Premier LeagueManchester City4 : 1Manchester United
League Games at Manchester United
Manchester United
Manchester City
Goals: Scored24
Games: Scored1/32/3
Clean Sheets1/32/3
League Games at Manchester City
Manchester United
Manchester City
Goals: Scored1728
Games: Scored8/88/8
Clean Sheets0/81/8
Current Best Betting Odds for Manchester United vs Manchester City
When it comes to betting on this Premier League fixture, getting the best odds can make all the difference to your returns. Below, we’ve compared the top prices available from trusted betting sites for the upcoming clash between Manchester United and Manchester City.
Manchester United vs Manchester City Bet Builder Betting
For those looking beyond the obvious outcomes in their football betting predictions, Bet Builders are a great way to combine different markets into one high-odds selection. These are risky, but when they land, the payout can be massive.
Here are some long-shot Bet Builder ideas for the Manchester United vs Manchester City clash:
Manchester United to Win + Over 2.5 Goals + Both Teams to Score (Combined odds: 15/2)
Manchester City to Score First + Manchester United to Win + Over 3.5 Goals (Combined odds: 11/1)
Draw at Half-Time + Manchester United to Win + BTTS (Combined odds: 14/1)
Quick Betting Angles
These Quick Betting Angles cut through the noise and turn stats into actionable insights for Manchester United vs Manchester City on 17 January 2026 at 12:30 PM.
Betting Angle (Both Teams to Score): Both Teams to Score looks like a strong betting angle here given the attacking strength on both sides and their recent scoring trends. Manchester United have found the net in the majority of home games, while Manchester City average close to two goals per match overall, making it difficult to see either side keeping a clean sheet in a high-intensity derby.
Betting Angle (Total Goals): The Total Goals market points towards Over 2.5 given how regularly both sides are involved in high-scoring matches. With City averaging close to two goals per game and United often playing open, high-tempo fixtures at Old Trafford, this derby has the feel of a contest where chances stack up and the goal count ticks past two.
Betting Angle (Home Advantage):Home advantage should play a role here, as Manchester United have generally been reliable at Old Trafford, picking up wins against sides like Burnley, Chelsea, Sunderland and Brighton this season. Even in games they have not won, they have remained competitive, with high-scoring draws such as the 4-4 against Bournemouth highlighting how difficult they are to put away at home.
Match Information:
Competition: Premier League
Stage: Premier League
Kick-off: 17 January 2026 at 12:30 PM
Sport: Soccer
Where to Watch Manchester United vs Manchester City
TV channel:
The Manchester United vs Manchester City clash will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League, and Sky Sports Ultra HDR, ensuring full coverage of the Manchester derby.
Online streaming:
Live streaming for Manchester United vs Manchester City will be available via the Sky Sports app and NOW TV, giving viewers multiple options to watch the Manchester derby live.
Free highlights:
Match highlights will be shown across Sky Sports and TNT Sports, with extended highlights also airing later on Saturday night on Match of the Day.
