Dzeko to notch in low-scoring Manchester derby

Christian Crowther uses the Opta stats to serve up three bets for this mega Mancunian match-up...

There have been just five goals scored in the last six league meetings between City and United at the Etihad Stadium and no more than one in any of those games

Manchester City's 6-1 Old Trafford humbling of their greatest rivals was undoubtedly the jewel in the crown of their championship-winning campaign. By stark contrast, their home encounter was a less pulsating 1-0 victory, settled by Vincent Kompany's header from a corner on the stroke of half-time. With these sides again going head-to-head for the title, it's difficult to predict the outcome of this encounter, although of the two defences you'd certainly pick City's, who have conceded ten less than their visitors. Recent history suggests this will be another tight affair at the home of the champions.

 

United are just three games short of equalling Bolton's Premier League record of no draws in their opening 18 games (set last season)

Unfortunately for Wanderers, most of their 18 matches resulted in defeat rather than wins. Often, one of the reasons Man United do so well every single season under Sir Alex Ferguson is that they avoid throwing away some of the cheap points that many of their rivals do. This season is no different as the leaders have won 80% of their games to date, meaning that they have been able to survive the odd loss here and there. Manchester City though have drawn the majority of their big matches, including three of their four against the perceived big six. Manchester United played for a draw in this fixture last season and, with a three-point advantage, will be tempted to do so again. Four of the hosts' five draws at the Etihad this season finished 1-1.

 

The only two players to score at a rate of less than 100 mins per goal this season are Manchester United's Javier Hernandez (78.2) and City's Edin Dzeko (92.8)

Both these strikers have been deadly from the bench this season, although one is certainly more comfortable with the label of super sub than the other. Both players started their Champions League group games in the week, which could well be an indicator they will be warming the bench again come Sunday. Dzeko in particular enjoyed these derby encounters last season, notching two late strikes as a sub in the 6-1 mauling of United and another in the Community Shield clash. If this one is a tight affair, the big Bosnian could be the man to net in the latter stages.

 

Recommended Bets:

Back Under 2.5 goals @ 2.32

Back a 1-1 draw @ 8.0

Back Edin Dzeko to score @ 2.8

 

Bet HERE !

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