Man City
Man City have also conquered their formerly noisy neighbours in each of their last three meetings at the Etihad, and should Guardiola’s men give themselves a shot in the arm with derby delight on Sunday, Amorim would have suffered three straight top-flight losses for the first time in his fledgling managerial career.
Man Utd
As scepticism and criticism of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s involvement heightens amid behind-the-scenes turmoil, Amorim could do worse than replicate his astonishing 4-1 slaughter of City with Sporting, but the road omens are not promising for Man United.
Indeed, the Red Devils have failed to win any of their last five Premier League matches on the road, have only beaten Southampton away from home in the top flight this term and boast just two successes from their last 13 league games on rival territory.
Prediction
City’s diminished defence, Man United’s propensity to gift goals to the opposition and the visitors’ shoddy form away from home all points to a Manchester derby living up to the pre-game billing, and for the second time this season, Guardiola and Amorim could witness their outfits share five goals between them.
However, a repeat of the Portuguese’s 4-1 pummelling with Sporting is surely out of the question; we do back the Red Devils to breach a depleted City backline more than once with Rasmus Hojlund hitting a purple patch, but the champions remain an attacking force to be reckoned with at home and the return of creative spark Kevin De Bruyne to assist goal machine Erling Haaland can capitalise on their visitors’ Thursday night fatigue to prevail in an exhilarating encounter.
Rhino Charged Up Boosts
Kevin De Bruyne To Assist A Goal 13/8
Erling Haaland To Score First 3/1
Rasmus Hojlund To Score Anytime 3/1
Bernardo Silva & Manuel Ugarte Both To Be Carded 7/1