Manchester United vs Manchester City
Premier League
Sunday
29th October 2023
Old Trafford
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the Premier League gameweek 10 fixture between Manchester United and Manchester City.
Manchester United vs Manchester City: Preview
Manchester United form analysis
United’s recent Premier League matches started inconsistently with a disappointing 1-3 home loss to Brighton despite Mejbri’s late consolation. United responded with a gritty 1-0 away win at Burnley thanks to Fernandes’ goal. But they struggled to create chances in a 0-1 home defeat to Crystal Palace as Andersen scored for Palace. United then needed late drama to beat Brentford 2-1, with McTominay netting two injury time goals to overturn Jensen’s opener. Most recently, United bounced back from conceding early to beat Sheffield United 1-2 away courtesy of McTominay and Dalot strikes.
Overall, United have shown flashes of quality but lacked consistency across this spell. Lopetegui seems to have added steel but United’s attack has misfired at times, scoring just 5 goals. United need to find more attacking flair and points to turn draws into wins. The talent is evident but United must find consistency.
Manchester City form analysis
City’s recent Premier League matches started inconsistently by coming from behind to beat West Ham 3-1, with goals from Doku, Bernardo Silva and Haaland. City then controlled possession well in a 2-0 home win over Forest thanks to strikes from Foden and Haaland. However, defensive issues surfaced in a shock 1-2 home loss to Wolves, with only Alvarez scoring in response. City then suffered a pivotal 0-1 home defeat to title rivals Arsenal, outbattled by Martinelli’s late winner. Most recently though, City returned to winning ways by beating Brighton 2-1 courtesy of goals from Alvarez and Haaland, despite some late nerves.
Overall, guardiola seems to have added more steel but City aren’t as free-flowing in attack so far. Haaland continues to deliver goals. But conceding cheaply against Wolves and Arsenal highlighted lingering vulnerabilities. If Pep can find the right balance between defensive solidity and attacking flair, City still have the quality to defend their Premier League title. But finding consistency in performances without De Bruyne remains a work in progress.
