Premier League Predictions and Best Bets: Destruction Derby? Manchester City Set to Smash Manchester United

The article previews the highly anticipated Manchester derby on January 17, 2026, at Old Trafford, pitting Manchester United under new interim manager Michael Carrick against Pep Guardiola's Manchester City. Carrick faces a baptism of fire in his first match back at the helm, following United's dismissal of Ruben Amorim after poor results with a 3-4-3 formation. United sit 7th with 32 points from 21 games, just three points off fourth-placed Liverpool, but endure a four-game winless streak (three draws, one loss).[1][2][4]

Manchester City, despite drawing their last three Premier League matches—allowing Arsenal to lead by six points—remain prolific, topping the scoring charts with 45 goals in 21 games. Unbeaten in 13 across all competitions, they've added Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth, who scored twice in his debut appearances. City boast a 50.6% win probability per Opta, with United at 25.9% and a draw at 23.5%.[1][3][4][5]

Predictions: Sky Sports tips a City rout, aligning with forecasts like 0-2 (Haaland, Semenyo scorers), 1-3, or over 2.5 goals. City have won 8 of the last 10 derbies at Old Trafford, with United struggling defensively (32 goals conceded, most among top-14 teams). Recent form shows both sides drawing consecutively—a rare occurrence last seen in 2001. Best bets include City to win (odds ~1.95), under 2.5 goals (value despite high-scoring history), or Semenyo anytime goal/assist.[1][2][3][5][7]

United's attack (2nd in xG) poses threats, but City's firepower and United's home woes against them favor the visitors in this "destruction derby." Expect an electric atmosphere with goals likely.[4][5][6]

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