The first Manchester derby of the 2017-18 campaign is finally here – and it couldn't have come at a better time for neutrals. City, led by the charismatic Pep Guardiola, are already eight points clear at the top of the Premier League table after the best start in top-flight history but their bitter rivals United could derail the Blues juggernaut.
The Red Devils are determined to set the record straight after a difficult domestic campaign in 2016-17 and had it not been for City's lightning start, United could have been sat at the top of the table themselves. Mourinho will have a gameplan for this weekend and you can be sure that, while defensive minded in approach, the Reds will go close on home soil.
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United, currently valued at 12/5 to pick up all three points, are on a 40-match unbeaten run at Old Trafford – equalling a club record that was set over half a century ago. The Red Devils are building momentum and victory here would see United edge closer to City in the race for Premier League glory. Check out 888sport's hot betting tips and odds ahead of this HUGE derby here.
City won this corresponding fixture 2-1 last season and Blues fans will be hoping for a similar result this weekend. Pep Guardiola's side have embarked on an incredible run of their own in recent weeks, winning 13 consecutive Premier League games. Beating United on Sunday would see City break the record for most consecutive top-flight wins – an impressive feat to say the least.
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A repeat of last season's scoreline is currently available at 7/1 in the Premier League betting markets and plenty of punters will be backing an away victory. Paul Pogba's suspension may turn out to be a pivotal factor in the destiny of this weekend's result – especially if City's midfield maestro David Silva passes a late fitness test and features for the visitors.
If you are looking for goal scorers, look no further than Sergio Aguero. The Argentina striker is one of the most dangerous frontmen in England's top flight and he notched another goal in the famous blue jersey on Wednesday evening against Shakhtar Donetsk. Currently priced at 27/20 to score during 90 minutes, Aguero is well worth backing considering his own goalscoring record in this particular fixture.
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Whether you are backing United or City, one thing is for sure: this weekend could turn out to be decisive in the Premier League title race. With 888sport offering £10 free bet to use on the Manchester derby in addition to their regular welcome offer of £30 in free bets, it's a great time to back your team. In one side, victory for Pep will see City move 11 points clear of their arch rivals and that gap will be far too great for United to overturn, even in December. For United, it is about defending their home record and closing that gap once more. Strap in tight neutrals, it could be a very intense contest.
