Manchester United vs Manchester City Stats-Based Bet Builder Tips: 40/1 on Semenyo strike

Michael Carrick’s Manchester United sounds like my current Football Manager save, but the former midfielder is now in interim charge at Old Trafford as they face off against Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City (12:30 GMT, Sky Sports Main Event). 

This should be as intriguing as any Manchester derby that we have seen, and below you can find my Manchester United vs Manchester City Stats-Based Bet Builder Tips. 

Man City to win

I know Carrick’s at the wheel etc etc, but I think we have to back Manchester City to come away with all three points on paper. They looked really strong in midweek against Newcastle in the Carabao Cup, and the addition of Antoine Semenyo looks to have seriously strengthened their fabulous attack. 

United on the other hand will get a boost from Carrick’s arrival, but he’s only a temporary fix. They are four games in all competitions without a win, and on the pitch they just may struggle to match the individual quality and tactical nous of Guardiola and his men. 

Premier League Odds

Today's Football Fixtures

BTTS

Goals on the cards for me in this one. I cannot see City failing to score with Haaland, Semeyo, Phil Foden and Jeremy Doku a potent front four against this Manchester United defence. However, I can also see an invigorated and improved United performance from an attacking perspective. 

United sit top of the charts for BTTS this season, with 16 of their 21 top-flight matches ending with both teams on the scoresheet, which gives them a 76% success rate. I think we should see an entertaining contest on Saturday lunchtime, with goals at both ends.  

Antoine Semenyo to score

Let’s talk about Semenyo. He was unstoppable in Manchester City’s 2-0 win at Newcastle on Tuesday night, a result that should have seen him bag a brace had it not been for a dodgy VAR call. That performance shows that City have made the right decision in signing him and he looks ready for this step up to an elite team. 

That takes his tally for the season to 12 goals in 23 games, and given Haaland is too short a price to back in my eyes, I think Semenyo is the standout pick. Let’s not forget that the team he faces this Saturday were very much interested in his signature, before City pounced and made him theirs. If he scores it will be a dagger to the heart of the Red Devils - and he could be the one who got away.

Manchester United vs Manchester City Odds

Antoine Semenyo and Casemiro to be carded

A couple of cards makes sense for derby day, and Casemiro is the most likely candidate to pick one up for the hosts. Five yellows and one red so far this term in 19 appearances is decent going, but I think he’s going to struggle up against this vibrant City midfield, and it could lead to him getting booked again. 

He’s averaging 1.85 fouls per game so far, and that could rocket in this derby game. Meanwhile, Semenyo is one who offers big value in my eyes, especially given he could whip his shirt off if he scores a late winner. He’s already been booked six times, including in his last two outings for Bournemouth, so I think he’s a decent outside pick, and he takes our Bet Builder to 40/1. 

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