This Saturday, Manchester City can officially claim the Premier League title. City is 16 points up on arch rival Manchester United with seven matches to play and faces off against United over the weekend.
It’s been a fantastic season for City. The club set a record for most consecutive wins in the Premier League and might still become the team with the most points ever over the course of the season.
As for Manchester United, the club is still in the running for the FA Cup and is in second place in the EPL, but it still feels like the season has been a bit of a disappointment. A win over Manchester City would help matters though.
Don't miss the English Premier League action from City of Manchester Stadium at 12:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, April 7, 2018. Catch every moment of the match live on NBC.
EPL Betting Odds at BookMaker.eu
Manchester United +346
Manchester City -126
Draw +275
Over/Under 2.5
Odds Analysis
When these clubs met earlier in the season at Old Trafford, Manchester City got the win. However, it wasn’t as convincing as you might expect. Although the Citizens did control possession and had more shots on net than the Red Devils, United left some real good chances on the pitch. Romelu Lukaku and Juan Mata each had great opportunities to score in the final 10 minutes. Both of City’s goals in the earlier meeting came off of set pieces and Jose Mourinho is likely to have shored that up.
Key Injuries
Coming into this match, Manchester United does not have much to speak of on the injury front. Backup goalkeeper Sergio Romero will not be available in case something happens to starter David de Gea. There are concerns on the back line though. Phil Jones is questionable to play in this one after suffering a hamstring strain recently, while Daley Blind is considered doubtful as he is still recovering from an ankle issue.
The Citizens are going to have a few starters out for this one. Benjamin Mendy has already been ruled out due to a knee injury, while Sergio Aguero is highly unlikely to play due to a knee injury as well.
However, Manchester City looks set to have some of its defenders back in action. Central defensemen John Stones and Aymeric Laporte seem ready to go after missing some time, while Fabian Delph appears match fit too. That will shore things up at the back for City.
Player to Watch
Romelu Lukaku was recently the fifth-youngest player ever to reach 100 goals in the Premier League and the young Belgian will be the key for the Red Devils in this one. Lukaku can be a little frustrating because he doesn’t always shine in big matches, but there is no denying his talent. He is the best finisher on Manchester United and he has averaged a goal in every other game this season.
At 6’3, he is one of the taller forwards in the Premier League. His size gives him the ability to outmuscle defenders on the way to picking up loose balls or to score in the air off of corners. He does not lack for speed either and can attack off the wing too. Lukaku can be a handful to stop, especially when defenders are just getting back from injury.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
As fitting as it might be for City to clinch the Premier League on its home turf against its arch rival, it’s not going to be in the cards. The club has its sights set on Champions League glory too, and that will lead to Pep Guardiola not wanting to risk anyone who is already suffering from an injury here. United will be able to take advantage and pull off the upset.
English Premier League Odds: Manchester United 2, Manchester City 1
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