Even though the two Manchester giants started the season in quite different fashions – City have a perfect record, while United collected just four points from their opening three rounds – there's no clear favourite for the upcoming Manchester Derby (18.30).The Cityzens kicked off the campaign better, but their transition from Pep Guardiola to Enzo Maresca isn't over yet. True, they've won all three of their Premier League matches so far, but they haven't been as impressive as expected.Michael Carrick has faced Enzo Maresca twice as a manager, and won both 👀✅ Middlesbrough 1-0 Leicester (2023/24)✅ Leicester 1-2 Middesbrough (2023/24)They meet again this weekend in the Manchester derby 🍿 pic.twitter.com/bjjBOaA7CO— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) September 11, 2026 On the other hand, Michael Carrick seems to have caught the "Ole Gunnar Solskjaer virus", enjoying much better results as an interim manager than since taking the job permanently.After the shocking defeat to Hull City in their campaign opener, the Red Devils crushed Ipswich Town and were on the verge of a triumph over Everton. Still, Ainsley Maitland-Niles' last-second equaliser stunned United and spoiled the mood in their camp.Raya pulls them out of hell, Bruno launches them straight to paradiseAfter Arsenal's 2-0 win over Sunderland last night, the Cityzens feel the pressure to keep up with the leaders, though their city rivals can't afford to relax either, as another failure would leave them dangerously close to the relegation zone – by no means what their fans had expected ahead of the new EPL campaign.In his first Manchester Derby, Carrick outsmarted Guardiola and stunned City 2-0, thanks to Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu's goals. Today, he'll go head-to-head with Enzo Maresca for the first time.Most goals scored in Premier League Manchester derbies:◉ 8 – Erling Haaland (7 games)◎ 8 – Sergio Aguero (13 games)◎ 8 – Wayne Rooney (21 games)Is today the day Erling breaks the record? 🤔#MUNMCI | @bet365 #Ad pic.twitter.com/vvf2wEUIeE— Squawka (@Squawka) September 13, 2026 The Italian tactician will, of course, largely rely on his attack, led by ruthless Erling Haaland, although his defence has been fantastic this season, conceding just one goal in four games.The situation at United is quite the opposite, as their back line has been breached six times in three EPL games, with their 4-0 victory over Sabah in the Champions League three days ago being their first clean sheet of the season.Man United have the advantage over City in the Manchester derby ⚔️🔥 pic.twitter.com/DFny8yV5Bb— OneFootball (@OneFootball) September 13, 2026 Therefore, a low-scoring game would likely go right up the Cityzens' alley. The only question is whether their defence can withstand the pressure from their rivals, amplified by the roar of the Old Trafford crowdEither way, this is the Manchester Derby, and nothing is ever certain.So, what do you say – is Manchester red or blue?PREMIER LEAGUE – MATCHDAY 4SaturdayAston Villa – Nottingham Forest 1-1 (0-0)/Alysson 74 – Delap 46/Bournemouth – Brentford 2-2 (1-1)/Kluivert 38, Tavernier 52 – Schade 34, 56/Chelsea – Hull City 2-2 (1-2)/Rogers 7, Pedro 66 – Belloumi 28,34/Crystal Palace – Ipswich 2-2 (1-2)/Khalaili 14, Strand Larsen 75 – Emersonn 23, Davis 45, Flemming 90/Liverpool – Fulham 0-0Tottenham – Everton 0-0Sunderland – Arsenal 0-2 (0-0)/Guimaraes 58, Saka 90+7 pen/Sunday16.00: (4.20) Coventry (3.50) Brighton (1.88)18.30: (3.15) Manchester United (3.50) Manchester City (2.20)Monday22.00: (2.45) Leeds (3.40) Newcastle (2.85)***odds are subject to change***
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