Premier League matchday 28 brings one of the most historic rivalries in English football as Manchester United and Manchester City clash at the Etihad. It's a massive game for both sides as the Red Devils continue to fight for a Champions League spot while the Citizens are looking to extend their lead at the top of the table. The reverse fixture earlier in the term saw City run out as 2-0 winners on the red side of Manchester, but United has held their own against Pep Guardiola's men away from home.
Here are 2 bold Manchester United predictions for Sunday's clash.
2 Bold Manchester United Predictions vs Man City
United will salvage a draw
Ralf Rangnick's side is in fine form right now and to be frank, they've been slowly improving ever since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was sacked. United have only lost twice in their last 20 games across all competitions, including a heartbreaking defeat to Middlesborough in the FA Cup on penalties. While there have been numerous draws during this span, Manchester United is managing to find results when they need them most.
Also, the Red Devils have won three in a row at the Etihad against City, outscoring the title-holders 5-0 in the process. However, given how dominant the Citizens are on home soil, a stalemate seems like it could be a real possibility here. Manchester United is going to be full of confidence given their recent run vs. City on the road and that will help them get a crucial point.
Cristiano Ronaldo will end his scoring drought
Cristiano Ronaldo hasn't exactly been loving life at Old Trafford. After a rather eventful start to his second stint with the club, the 37-year-old's form has taken a turn for the worse. Cristiano is always one to score goals wherever he's playing. But right now, the striker is in easily the worse drought of his illustrious career, finding the net just once in his last 10 outings and scoring a mere nine Premier League goals overall.
Ronaldo is simply not getting involved enough in the attack for Manchester United. He's had just two shots on target in his previous three games and eight attempts in total. However, there is one specific reason why he could bag a goal on Sunday. City was handed a serious blow with defensive mainstay Ruben Dias suffering a hamstring injury that will keep him out for 4-6 weeks. The Portuguese international, who plays with Ronaldo on the national team, is a key piece of Man City's backline on a weekly basis, typically pairing with Aymeric Laporte at center-back.
Don't get me wrong, Guardiola's side is still extremely strong in front of Ederson, but Cristiano may take advantage of Dias's absence here and make the hosts pay. Also, there is literally no better time for Ronaldo to find his form again than in the Manchester Derby. He is always one to turn up for big fixtures. There probably won't be a lot of chances for Manchester United and Cristiano, but they will need to catch City on the counter-attack and capitalize.
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