The first trophy of the 2024-25 season will be competed for this Saturday at Wembley as the Community Shield takes centre stage.
The iconic stadium will host a repeat of the FA Cup final in which Manchester United clinched a famous 2-1 victory over fierce rivals Manchester City.
Read on as Bet777 previews the big derby fixture…
Manchester United Vs Manchester City
Saturday 10th August, 3pm
Wembley Stadium, London, UK
Live on ITV1
Manchester United Vs Manchester City Preview
After a tough season on and off the pitch last time around, United will hope to return to start well by adding an early trophy to their cabinet, made even sweeter by the opponents they will have to beat to claim it.
Under new ownership and seemingly a new approach from surviving manager Erik Ten Hag, United look very promising with their refreshed squad after some big money signings. Despite injuries to Rasmus Hojlund and new boy Leny Yoro, the Red Devils still look to be vastly stronger than last season and ready to challenge City at the weekend.
Expect to see powerful attacking signing Joshua Zirkzee get some game time as he beds into the team. United will be heartened by the recent FA Cup final victory and will head into the tie feeling confident they can cause City problems. With defensive reinforcements, more attacking options and perhaps more bodies through the door this week prior to the game, the red side of Manchester will be in a much better spirits than last season.
But the biggest mistake you can make is to underestimate Pep Guardiola’s City. The perennial performers will be locked in this weekend, with silverware in their DNA they will be many people’s favourites for a comfortable win. Aiming for their first trophy of many this season, the squad depth they have remains even despite no blockbuster signings through the door as of yet.
That being said, they have added young Brazilian winger Savinho to their ranks after signing him from sister club Troyes. Expect to see some City youngsters that have excelled in pre-season feature, especially with some stars only just returning from international duty. Rico Lewis and Oscar Bobb are two names that are likely to be selected following their promising displays.
But the depth of players City have is almost unmatched in the world, let alone the Premier League, and they will field a strong team. Keen to earn some silverware, star man Erling Haaland will be chomping at the bit after being deprived of international football this summer after Norway failed to qualify for the Euros. Fireworks are likely this weekend, and we cannot wait.
Manchester United Vs Manchester City Odds
Unsurprisingly, City will take to the pitch this weekend as firm favourites, with odds of 1.50 to win their first silverware of the season. But United will not mind being underdogs due to their previous result in the FA Cup final, sitting at 4.30 for the win.
Manchester United Vs Manchester City Betting Tips
*Odds are correct at time of publication and subject to change
Pep Talk
After the last time out, we expect a fairly evenly-contested game and even though City are the favourites, it is sure to be a fiery contest. Both teams to score is at 1.58.
Erl Power
After a summer on the sidelines, the big Norwegian is sure to be keen to get started again and remind the world of his undeniable quality. Haaland to score is at 1.83 and 4.00 to be the games first goalscorer.
Beggin’ You for Zirkzee
The jewel in the crown of United’s renewed young squad is Dutch striker Zirkzee. And the injury sustained by Hojlund makes it look increasingly likely he will start this weekend. His powerful and dynamic style, along with him being unknown to City, could be a problem they are unable to solve. Zirkzee to score is at 3.50.
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