Manchester United F.C. vs. Manchester City F.C. Prediction on January 17, 2026

Match info

This fixture is always one of the most anticipated games in the English Premier League calendar — known as the “Manchester Derby”. It’s not only a local rivalry between two neighboring clubs but also a match with serious implications for league positioning. Both clubs have storied histories and passionate global followings, and a derby result can influence momentum for the rest of the season.

In the 2025–26 Premier League, Manchester City are pressing near the top of the table and aiming to reclaim domestic honors, while Manchester United have endured a more turbulent campaign — including managerial changes and poor cup runs — and are chasing European qualification rather than title contention. A derby win can lift morale and significantly influence confidence in this critical mid-season phase.

The Matchweek 22 encounter will kick off on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 12:30 local time (Greenwich Mean Time – GMT) — the standard time zone in the UK during winter months. The match venue is Old Trafford, the historic home of Manchester United, hosting passionate crowds and an intimidating atmosphere for visiting teams. Its large capacity and derby tradition make it one of the most intimidating venues in English football.

In reviewing markets and odds for this classic rivalry, it’s worth checking out Premier League betting sites to compare lines and proposition options ahead of the match.

Meeting statistics

Current form and & playstyle: Manchester United F.C.

The “Red Devils” come into this derby during a difficult period. The club recently parted ways with Ruben Amorim and hired Michael Carrick as interim manager to steady the ship amid inconsistent league performances and early exits from domestic cup competitions. Their form in early 2026 shows a handful of draws and opportunities missed to build momentum, reflecting a team still seeking identity and cohesion.

United’s playstyle under the interim regime has leaned toward solid defensive organisation with quick transitions, but they often lack the cutting edge in final-third creativity and fluidity that title-challenging teams display. Their current objective is less about dominating matches and more about securing results through resilience and opportunistic moments.

Current form & playstyle: Manchester City F.C.  

The “Citizens”, under Pep Guardiola, retain a more stable and defined tactical philosophy. Known for their possession-based approach, sharp positional play, and controlled progression through the thirds, City have continued to rack up goals and chances despite injuries to key defenders and periods of inconsistent form. They’ve had draws and tight matches in recent weeks — including back-to-back stalemates — but their underlying metrics and attacking punch keep them firmly in title contention.

Players like Erling Haaland (who has been in stellar goal-scoring form) provide a constant threat, and City are adept at swiftly transitioning from build-up to lethal counter chance, even when opponents try to press.

Head-to-head

Manchester United hold the historical edge overall, built largely during their dominance from the 1990s through the early 2010s. Manchester City, however, have won more derbies in the modern era, particularly since Pep Guardiola’s arrival, swinging the recent balance in their favor.

Overall H2H (all competitions):

Total meetings: 192
Manchester United wins: 78
Manchester City wins: 61
Draws: 53

Match analytics

The derby’s outcome is notoriously difficult to predict because of the intensity and rivalry. Based on current form, Manchester City is the marginal favorite due to its structured tactical identity and attacking firepower, even if its recent string of draws suggests it can be kept in check. Manchester United have shown tenacity and the capacity to grind out results, especially at Old Trafford, with passionate support behind them. A reasonable expectation is a tight, competitive match — possibly with goals, but also tactical cautiousness early on.

Derby matches often start cagey, with both teams probing and respecting each other’s threats early. United may sit slightly deeper to absorb pressure, while City control possession without overcommitting. This dynamic often results in a stalemate at the break, which, in our opinion, will then turn into the visitors’ win.

Tip: HT-FT, X/W2 at 5.15 odds on 888STARZ.