Game Week 22 Predictions: United and City to settle for score draw at Old Trafford

Man Utd vs Man City preview: Carrick’s caretaker debut at Old Trafford, Semenyo shines for City, Haaland eyes goals; BTTS verdict in huge derby clash.

Manchester United begins a new era under Michael Carrick. What should we expect from them against Manchester City? (Photo credit: Opta)

 Manchester United vs Manchester City

Old Trafford Stadium

1:30pm

Michael Carrick is back in the Manchester United dugout after beating fellow club legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to the caretaker job, and what a way for him to return – it’s a fixture against their city rivals.

It’s hard to tell where the pressure lies ahead of this game. Both sides have genuine reasons to leave everything on the pitch. Manchester City doesn’t want Arsenal to run out of sight, and the Red Devils don’t want to miss another opportunity to close in on the top four; this should be a cracker.

Manchester City has been busy in the winter transfer window; the acquisition of Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth has already yielded dividends; the Ghanaian winger has scored twice in as many games already, including in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semifinal against Newcastle.

With injuries to Jovsko Gvardiol and John Stones, the Cityzens have triggered the release clause of Marc Guehi, and while this fixture comes too soon for the England defender, he is, however, expected to join Manchester City officially before the end of the weekend, as he’s been yanked off Palace’s squad.

Manchester United could indeed start the weekend in fourth spot if they beat Manchester City. It’s something they’ve done before and can do again. The Red Devils are typically different when they face a top side; what version of them are we going to see under Michael Carrick?

The return of Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo after their AFCON sojourn has boosted Manchester United’s options up front. With Carrick set to revert to four at the back and Bruno Fernandes in a more creative role, expect United to look different and exciting to watch.

Where will this game be played and won? Pep Guardiola is one of the best tacticians in the world, but he’s also fond of overcooking the meal sometimes. If City keeps things simple, it’s theirs to lose, as United could still be adapting to a new manager, and that might play into City’s hands.

It’s difficult to look past Erling Haaland in this fixture. The league’s top scorer bagged a brace in the reverse fixture at the Etihad, and, after struggling in front of goal recently, Haaland would seek redemption in this game of huge significance.

Rodri’s fitness is key to what happens in the midfield; Casemiro will be expected to have someone else beside him, and Kobbie Mainoo will have a fine shout. Whoever wins the midfield battle, especially on second balls, gets to win this fixture; it would be fascinating to see how that plays out.

Verdict: Both teams to score.