Michael Carrick takes the helm at Manchester United for the first time today in a high-stakes derby against City at Old Trafford.
United have struggled since Ruben Amorim’s departure, with Darren Fletcher overseeing a draw against Burnley and a loss to Brighton before passing the leadership to Carrick.
Manchester City approach the derby with confidence after defeating Newcastle in the EFL Cup semi-final first leg, but their midweek efforts might have drained them.
Manchester United vs Manchester City top betting tips
Pep Guardiola has a stronger team to select from, and bookmakers have made City the clear favorites at 19/20 with MGM.
However, United’s lack of midweek games could be advantageous, as City expended significant energy in their 2-0 win over Newcastle on Tuesday.
With Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo returning from the Africa Cup of Nations, United might exploit a City defense that has shown vulnerability.
This explains why bookmakers offer BTTS at just 1/2, and adding over 2.5 goals only reaches 4/5 with William Hill.
There is greater value in the stats markets, with combined shots on target for Matheus Cunha and Phil Foden paying 141/100 at BetMGM.
Derbies tend to be intense, and for a higher odds bet, consider backing cards for Casemiro and Abdukodir Khusanov at 132/10 with Bet365.
Building a multi-leg bet? Check out our Masterclass on Acca bets for smarter doubles and trebles.
Tottenham Hotspur vs West Ham United
A London derby is also happening today, with both managers under pressure as Tottenham Hotspur takes on West Ham.
The Hammers are seven points away from safety after a poor run, but Nuno Espirito Santo received a boost with an extra-time win over QPR in the FA Cup last weekend.
The same can’t be said for Thomas Frank, as Spurs fans grow increasingly frustrated after their team was knocked out of the Cup by Aston Villa.
Tottenham is in 14th place in the Premier League, and Frank urgently needs a win today to relieve pressure.
Bookies have them as 3/4 favorites against the struggling Hammers, but adding under 4.5 goals boosts their odds to 11/10 at Ladbrokes.
Xavi Simons is expected to provide creativity for Spurs in midfield, with the Dutchman at 3/1 at Bet365 for an assist.
Dunfermline vs Hibernian
The Scottish Cup fourth-round weekend features a standout match as Hibs heads to East End Park to face Dunfermline.
The Pars are now managed by former Easter Road boss Neil Lennon, adding intrigue to the cup tie.
Hibernian is in good form, with one defeat in their last seven matches, but a cold January day against Championship opposition won’t be easy.
The Pars won’t hold back, and backing them at -1 in the card handicap pays 21/10 at Bet365.
This matchup has the potential for a classic cup tie, and I hope Lennon adopts an attacking approach at home rather than a defensive one.
If so, betting on over 10 corners seems worthwhile at 11/10 with Bet365.
Super singles
- Xavi Simons assist 3/1 Bet365
- Over
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