2025/26 Premier League MW4 Preview - Man City vs. Man Utd: Which club will win this classic 'Manchester Derby' edition? August 27, 2025 by Marc Jerbs

Manchester City will face Manchester United on Sunday, September 14, at the Etihad Stadium, with kick-off at 4:30PM BST. This Premier League Matchweek 4 clash marks Manchester United's return from the September international break, as both teams aim to build consistency in the early stages of the 2025-26 campaign.

Current Form and Standings

Both clubs have endured mixed starts to the season.

Manchester City opened strongly with a 4-0 win over Wolves, highlighted by debut goals from Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki. However, back-to-back defeats followed: a 2-0 home loss to Tottenham, where they conceded twice in the first half, and a 2-1 defeat at Brighton, despite Erling Haaland giving them the lead. These results leave Pep Guardiola's side in 13th place with three points.

Manchester United sit slightly higher in 9th place with four points. Their campaign began with a draw against Arsenal and another away at Fulham, before securing a thrilling 3-2 home win over Burnley thanks to Bruno Fernandes' 97th-minute penalty. However, a shock penalty shootout exit to Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup has raised questions about consistency.

Manchester City vs. Manchester United Sports Bet Odds

The Citizens are the favorites to win the game. Here are our latest odds:

• The Citizens are favored by 1 point, with a full-time result of 1.66.
• The Red Devils the underdogs by 1 point, with a full-time result of 4.75.
• Draw has a full-time result of 4.20.
• Total is set at 2.5 goals, with the Under at 2.37 and the Over at 1.57.

Team News and Injuries

Manchester City

Pep Guardiola faces several injury headaches:

• Rayan Cherki (thigh, out until November)
• Mateo Kovacic (Achilles, nearing return)
• Josko Gvardiol (doubtful, but back in training)
• Phil Foden (ankle, expected to return)
• John Stones (muscle issue, uncertain)
• Savinho (expected post-break return)
• Abdukodir Khusanov (two-week layoff)
• Omar Marmoush (knee, ruled out)

A key decision also awaits in goal, with new signing Gianluigi Donnarumma pushing to start. Guardiola is expected to provide updates in Friday's press conference.

Manchester United

Ruben Amorim's side also have concerns:

• Lisandro Martinez (long-term knee injury)
• Matheus Cunha (hamstring, doubtful)
• Mason Mount (precautionary substitution, fitness check)
• Diogo Dalot (muscle issue, being assessed)

Amorim must decide whether to continue with Altay Bayindir—under scrutiny after errors—or turn to deadline-day arrival Senne Lammens, though the latter is still settling in. If Cunha or Mount miss out, Bruno Fernandes may push forward alongside Bryan Mbeumo, while Kobbie Mainoo or Benjamin Sesko could also feature.

Head-to-Head and Key Players

This will be the 197th meeting between the two clubs. Their most recent clash in April 2025 ended goalless at Old Trafford, while United stunned City at the Etihad in December 2024 with a 2-1 comeback victory.

• Manchester United: Fernandes is chasing his 100th goal for the club, while Mbeumo has already netted twice this season.
• Manchester City: Reijnders and Cherki impressed on debut, while Haaland continues to lead the line.
• City's squad is valued at £1.35bn, compared to United's £892.20m, reflecting their depth and star power.

Tactical Approaches

Ruben Amorim employs a 3-4-3 system that relies heavily on wing play, high pressing, and withdrawn forwards supporting a central striker. The style brought him success with Sporting CP, though United are still adapting after last season's struggles.

Pep Guardiola's City remain possession-dominant but have shown defensive vulnerabilities in recent weeks. With attacking options potentially limited by injuries, squad rotation and tactical adjustments will be key.

Final Thoughts

The Manchester derby always carries high stakes, and this edition promises intensity, tactical battles, and dramatic moments. For Manchester United, it is a chance to prove that Amorim's new system can hold up against elite opposition. For Manchester City, it is about rebounding from early setbacks and reasserting dominance at home.

Injuries, goalkeeper choices, and the execution of each manager's tactical plan will likely decide the outcome. Ultimately, this fixture is about more than just points—it is about bragging rights, momentum, and setting the tone for the rest of the season. Expect a fiercely contested clash that could shape the trajectory of both clubs in 2025/26.

2025/26 Premier League Table

#	CLUB	W	D	L	PTS
1	Liverpool	3	0	0	9
2	Chelsea	2	1	0	7
3	Arsenal	2	0	1	6
4	Tottenham	2	0	1	6
5	Everton	2	0	1	6
6	Sunderland	2	0	1	6
7	Bournemouth	2	0	1	6
8	Crystal Palace	1	2	0	5
9	Manchester United	1	1	1	4
10	Nottingham Forest	1	1	1	4
11	Brighton and Hove Albion	1	1	1	4
12	Leeds United	1	1	1	4
13	Manchester City	1	0	2	3
14	Burnley	1	0	2	3
15	Brentford	1	0	2	3
16	West Ham United	1	0	2	3
17	Newcastle United	0	2	1	2
18	Fulham	0	2	1	2
19	Aston Villa	0	1	2	1
20	Wolverhampton	0	0	3	0