The cry of Manchester has been loud this season. Both City and United have really failed to live up to expectations, but both still absolutely have the ability to finish in the Top 4 thanks to the fact that Liverpool dropped over the weekend at home to Crystal Palace. The two Manchester squads will face off on Thursday night in what could be a crucial tilt with just six matches remaining for both teams and just one point separating them for the last spot in the Top 4 at the moment.
Don't miss the BPL action from Etihad Stadium at 3 p.m. ET on Thursday, April 27, 2017. Catch every moment of the match live on NBC Sports Network.
Soccer Odds at BookMaker.eu
Manchester City -113
Manchester United +330
Draw +260
Over/Under 2.5
Odds Analysis
Pep Guardiola knows that this is going to be a tremendously important battle for his side. Three points, and a spot in the Top 4 is all but assured. The Citizens are odds-on favorites to get the job done at -113 on the moneyline, but there isn't a lot separating them from not picking up the three points as well. Manchester United is a manageable +330 on the moneyline, and that upset might ultimately be enough to propel it into the Top 4 for good as well.
This is a potentially gritty affair, and the total of 2.5 might end up being a wee on the high side when push comes to shove.
Key Injuries
It was a painful day at the office on Sunday for Manchester City. Not only were the Citizens removed from the FA Cup by Arsenal, but they also lost three key players as well. David Silva, Fernandinho and Sergio Aguero were all taken out of that match with injuries over the course of the 120 minutes, and with a short turnaround, there's a question as to whether any of the three will be able to give it a go. John Stones sat out against Southampton and missed the match against Arsenal as well over the weekend, and he and Bacary Sagna figured to also miss this fixture.
United got its share of bad news for sure from last week, too. While playing against Anderlecht in the Europa League, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Marcos Rojo both suffered season-ending knee injuries. Both are now out, not just for the rest of this season, but probably for at least the first half of next season as well. Juan Mata's season is probably over thanks to a groin injury, while Paul Pogba has a knock that could keep him away from this fixture, too.
Recent Form
The good news for Man City is that it had won two matches in a row against Southampton and Hull City before dropping to the Gunners. But let's face it. The team that will be on the pitch against Manchester United will look nothing like the clubs that were out there that day if the injury bug doesn't leave town in a hurry.
Manchester United meanwhile, did at least pick up three points at Burnley over the weekend – no small task with as well as Sam Dyche's club has played this season at Turf Moor. That's now three straight wins and 22 straight without a defeat in the EPL and is a sure sign that things are at least improving at Old Trafford.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
The injuries are giving United a chance to debut a bit of a younger side, one that acquitted itself well against Chelsea at home almost a fortnight ago. Marcus Rashford has been particularly good, and though Ibra is finished for the year, he's a suitable replacement with a slew of pace.
We just get the sense that City has packed it in for the year. Guardiola is already talking about completely dismantling this side in the offseason, and that has to not well with the players, particularly after the FA Cup exit. A defeat to the Red Devils at home would be bitter, but it might be a pill forced to be swallowed.
BPL Odds: Manchester United 2, Manchester City 1
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