EPL GW 31: Manchester Derby preview, team news, predictions

The Manchester Derby returns to Old Trafford this Sunday, April 6, at 4:30 PM BST, pitting Rúben Amorim’s resurgent Manchester United against Pep Guardiola’s faltering Manchester City in matchday 30 of the 2024/25 Premier League season. With United chasing a late European push and City desperate to salvage their title hopes, this clash promises intensity, tactical ability, and banters. This piece is set to preview both teams’ form, strategies, injury updates, head-to-head statistics, and a scoreline prediction.

Manchester United’s performances

Manchester United sit thirteenth with 37 points from 30 matches (W12 D6 L12). The Red Devils have lost just once in their last seven league games (W4 D2 L1), a run that includes a stunning 3-2 comeback win over Ipswich Town at Old Trafford on February 9 with 10 men. However, a 1-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest on April 1 exposed some unsettled errors, with United managing only five shots on target despite 62% possession.

Amorim’s 3-4-3 has brought a bit of structure and commendable progress, goals conceded per game have dropped from 1.62 under Erik ten Hag to 1.27, but set-piece defending remains a crucial weakness (17 conceded in 2024). Offensively, Bruno Fernandes (8 goals, 11 assists) has been reborn as a deeper playmaker, while Rasmus Hojlund (3 goals in the league) and Joshua Zirkzee (4 league goals) are finding their form. March’s 3-0 rout of Leicester showcased their potential, though consistency remains an issue that prevents them against top-half sides at home.

Man United tactics

Expect United to press high with their wing-backs, Diogo Dalot and Patrick Dorgu, pinning City’s wingers. Fernandes will dictate tempo, feeding Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho, who’s under pressure to perform after a reckless Forest game. Defensively, the back three of Matthijs de Ligt, Nousair Mazaraoui, and Harry Maguire must tighten up on set pieces.

Man United team news and injuries

United’s injury list is reducing. Maguire, Mason Mount, and Leny Yoro are back in action, while Luke Shaw and Kobbie Mainoo are nearing returns—both could make the squad. Amad Diallo (hamstring) remains doubtful after teasing an early comeback, and Ayden Heaven (ankle) is recovering but not possible to feature. Altay Bayindir is fit as Andre Onana’s backup, with Jonny Evans also in contention.

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Manchester City’s performances

Manchester City, fifth with 51 points (W15 D6 L8), are enduring their worst season under Guardiola. A 2-0 win over Leicester on March 29 ended a three-game winless streak, but their title defense is all but over 17 points behind leaders Liverpool with less than 10 games left. Away form has been embarrassing (W6 D3 L5), and injuries have ravaged their squad.

Guardiola’s 4-3-3 remains possession-heavy (58% average), but the absence of key players has slowed their possession and attacking style. Jack Grealish (1 league goal) and Omar Marmoush (4 goals since January) have stepped up, but City’s 1.4 expected goals against per game (up from 0.9 last season) reflects a crumbling defense. A 2-1 FA Cup win at Bournemouth on March 30 continues to show their struggles, and their counter-pressing tactics which was reputable seems to be obsolete.

Man City tactics

Without Erling Haaland, City will lean on Phil Foden’s creativity, with Marmoush as a makeshift No. 9. Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol will anchor a more vulnerable backline, aiming to exploit United’s set-piece woes. Guardiola may turn to a 4-2-3-1 to control the midfield, relying on Ilkay Gundogan’s experience to control play.

Man City team news and injuries

City’s injury crisis deepens. Haaland (ankle, out 5-7 weeks) is a massive blow, his 21 league goals account for 39% of their total. Rodri (knee), John Stones (hamstring), Nathan Ake (calf), and Manuel Akanji (thigh) are long-term absentees, while Oscar Bobb (ankle) is back but to make it to the starting lineup will be a doubt. Gvardiol (knock) is expected to play, and Ederson (abdominal) is in contention, though Stefan Ortega may start.

Mab United vs Man City head-to-head statistics

The Manchester Derby has been tough fixture: both sides have met 193 times with United having 79 wins, while City 61 wins, and both sides have shared points 53 times. In the Premier League, both clubs have met 55 times, United 25 wins, City 22 wins, 8 draws. United are unbeaten in their last three against City across all competitions (W2 D1), including December’s 2-1 thriller at the Etihad and the 2024 FA Cup final win. The last five derbies averaged 3.8 goals, with both teams scoring in four. Moreover, United’s home dominance over City is fading—City have won 5 of their last 10 league visits, but Amorim’s men have momentum from their recent double.

Manchester United vs Manchester City prediction

United’s upward trajectory could contend City’s inconsistencies at a pivotal moment. The Red Devils’ home crowd and Amorim’s growing influence give them an advantage,but City’s quality, even depleted, cannot be ignored. United’s set-piece weakness might cost them, yet City’s lack of Haaland makes their attack dull. History suggests that 11 of the last 13 derbies saw both teams score goals.

Predicted Scoreline: Manchester United 2-2 Manchester City. However, Manchester United 2-1 Manchester City, if United capitalize early and cover up defensively, they might emerge winners after the final whistle.