GAMEWEEK 4: TIME TO PROVE IT

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WHY THIS GAME:
One city. Two giants. One of English football’s biggest rivalries. The first competitive Manchester derby took place in 1891, when Newton Heath - later Manchester United - beat Ardwick, the future Manchester City, 5-1 in the FA Cup’s first qualifying round. More than 135 years later, the rivalry remains one of the fiercest in English football. United still lead the overall competitive head-to-head, but City’s rise has transformed the balance of power. Every derby brings another chance to claim Manchester’s bragging rights.

This one also has plenty of recent history. United won the last derby at Old Trafford 2-0, with that victory coming in Michael Carrick's first game back as United manager last season. Now Carrick gets another derby at home, while Enzo Maresca will experience his first Manchester derby as City boss.

The form heading into this one couldn't be much more different. City have won all three of their opening Premier League games, while United have one win, one draw and one defeat.

ONE THING TO WATCH:
Haaland has three Premier League goals and added two more against Porto in Europe. United's have looked vulnerable defensively, so keeping him quiet could decide the derby.

But United have plenty of attacking quality themselves. Bruno Fernandes has already produced a hat-trick this season, while Benjamin Šeško scored against Everton last weekend and again in Europe. If United can get their attacking players into space and hit City on the counter, they have the weapons to hurt them.

BOT90 PREDICTION:

Manchester United 1-2 Manchester City
Derbies rarely follow the form book, and Carrick has already shown he can win this fixture. But United’s leaky defence could struggle against Haaland and City’s attacking firepower. With City unbeaten and flying under Maresca, we’re backing them to edge a close derby and leave Old Trafford with the bragging rights. 

WHY HIM:
Erling Haaland has quickly become one of the biggest threats in the Manchester derby. The Norwegian has scored eight Premier League goals against Manchester United and added three assists, giving him 11 direct goal involvements in the fixture. He has started this season in dangerous form too, scoring three goals in the opening three Premier League games before adding two more against Porto in Europe. He also enjoyed a huge World Cup with Norway, scoring seven goals, and looks like he has picked up exactly where he left off.

WATCH FOR:
Haaland's combination of strength, movement and finishing makes him incredibly difficult to defend, and United's vulnerable backline could give him plenty of opportunities. If United give him space in or around the box, Haaland has shown time and again that he only needs one chance.

His growing partnership with Rayan Cherki makes him even more dangerous. Cherki's creativity and ability to pick out passes could give Haaland the kind of service he needs to cause serious problems for Manchester United.

BOT90 SAYS:
Haaland is already flying this season, and this is exactly the kind of game where he can make his presence felt. With United's defence looking shaky and Cherki and co supplying the chances, don't be surprised if the Norwegian adds to his Manchester derby record.

Prediction: Haaland to score twice

3 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE KICKOFF

BOT90 BIG TAKE
Coventry will hold Brighton to a draw.

Coventry showed exactly what they’re capable of at Manchester City last weekend, pushing one of the league’s best sides all the way and coming agonizingly close to leaving the Etihad with a point.

Now they’re back at home, and Frank Lampard will know this is the kind of game Coventry need to get something from.

Brighton will be a tough test, but with the home crowd behind them and the confidence from last weekend, we think Coventry can frustrate them and take a point.

Coventry City 1-1 Brighton

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