In Serie B, after the first two matchdays, no team has a perfect score. These numbers indicate balance, even if we are onlyPrediction Manchester City-Manchester United: the winless streak comes to an end
The rankings of the two Manchester clubs after the first three matchdays of the Premier League are not impressive. City even has fewer points than United, which has certainly not shone so far, quite the contrary. Both teams will therefore be looking to redeem themselves in a derby that could produce some surprises, despite the odds being heavily stacked in favor of Pep Guardiola’s team, which has been the big favorite before every city derby for several years now.
Manchester City started with a resounding 4-0 win at Molineux against Wolverhampton, but in the next two games they failed to pick up a single point, losing to Tottenham (0-2) and Brighton (2-1). These two worrying missteps have brought back memories of last season, when nothing went right for a long period. The Cityzens looked fragile in their own half and, at the same time, failed to impress when not in possession, lacking incisiveness. Manchester United also had their usual problems, although the Red Devils managed to avoid another disappointing result against newly promoted Burnley (3-2) in the last round thanks to a penalty converted by captain Bruno Fernandes in stoppage time. However, this first win did little to dispel doubts about the psychological and physical resilience of Ruben Amorim’s team. United have recorded one defeat, one draw, and one win so far, a record compounded by their embarrassing League Cup exit against fourth-tier Grimsby Town, who knocked the Red Devils out of the competition.
Donnarumma in contention with Trafford
As for the likely lineups, it is not a foregone conclusion that Donnarumma, one of Man City’s new faces, will start: the Italian goalkeeper, purchased from PSG, remains in contention with Trafford. The center-back pairing will consist of Ruben Dias and Stones, with the latter expected to have recovered from injury.
Rodri is confirmed in midfield, while Bobb, one of the most impressive players in recent games, will play on the right wing. Both Marmoush and Cherki are absent. For United, Mazraoui, Lisandro Martinez, and Dalot are out, while Cunha and Mount remain doubtful. Amorim’s dilemma concerns the goal: after letting Onana go, Bayindir—the Turkish goalkeeper who did not perform very well when called upon—and Lemmens, who has just arrived from Antwerp, are vying for the jersey.
Odds comparison
The “Goal” bet is quoted at 1.53 on Goldbet and Lottomatica and at 1.50 on Snai. The “Over 2.5” bet is quoted at 1.50 on Goldbet, Lottomatica, and Snai.
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The prediction
Manchester City’s last victory against their city rivals dates back to March 2024: in last year’s Community Shield, the Cityzens only won on penalties. Both teams are eager to turn the page in what is sure to be a heated match, which could set the tone for the coming weeks: confidence in City, but since neither team’s defense has looked particularly solid, we are convinced that there will be plenty of goals. More than two in total and at least one for each side.
Probable lineups for Manchester City-Manchester United
MANCHESTER CITY (4-1-4-1): Donnarumma; Matheus Nunes, Stones, Ruben Dias, Aït-Nouri; Rodri; Bobb, Reijnders, Bernardo Silva, Doku; Haaland.
MANCHESTER UNITED (3-4-2-1): Bayındır; Yoro, de Ligt, Shaw; Diallo, Casemiro, Mainoo, Dorgu; Mbeumo, Bruno Fernandes; Mount.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 3-1
at the dawn of a new era. From first to eighth, all are on four points: among those who have impressed the most is Andrea Sottil’s Modena, who managed to win at Marassi on their debut (0-2 against Sampdoria). It could have been two wins if the Canarini had been more accurate in front of goal in the match against Avellino two weeks ago: despite their numerical superiority, Modena failed to break down the Biancoverdi’s defense, despite having 22 shots on goal (compared to just three for the Irpini).
The Emiliani, who thanks to an ambitious transfer market can count on a high-level attack for the category (from Mendes to Defrel, passing through Caso, Gliozzi, and Di Mariano), will try to take advantage of Bari’s lackluster start to the season, as they have yet to find their form.
Fabio Caserta’s team, beaten by the Giallorossi in both home and away games last season, has not started on the right foot: defeat against Venezia and a draw against Monza in two games that saw the Apulians score on both occasions against two teams relegated from Serie A. It cannot be ruled out that the Biancorossi, who have no shortage of quality up front (Gytkjaer, Antonucci, Partipilo), will manage to score at least one goal in Modena. Massimiliano Alvini’s Frosinone are also on four points in the table: the Ciociari have conceded no goals and, after an excellent draw in Palermo, should come away unbeaten from their trip to Padova against a team that is struggling to adapt to the new division (one defeat and one draw).
Predictions for the other matches
Despite the draw at Castellammare di Stabia (0-0 but down to ten men from the middle of the first half due to Yeboah’s sending off), Giovanni Stroppa’s Venezia did not disappoint. It is therefore no surprise that the Lagunari are favorites against Pescara, one of two teams still stuck on zero points like Sampdoria: the Abruzzo defense (five goals conceded so far) will struggle to contain the orange-green attack.
Catanzaro, like last year, seems to be stuck in a rut of draws: 1-1 with Sudtirol and 0-0 with Spezia. The Calabrians, who were very active in the last days of the transfer market, should avoid defeat against Carrarese, but it may not be easy to break through the Azzurri’s defense, which is unbeaten after the first two matchdays. Finally, Juve Stabia-Reggiana looks set to be a very evenly matched game. We have a slight preference for the Granata, who, surprisingly, have had the highest percentage of shots on goal in this early part of the season.
Serie B: possible winners
Frosinone or draw (in Padova-Frosinone)
Venezia (in Pescara-Venezia)
Catanzaro or draw (in Catanzaro-Carrarese)
Matches with at least two goals in total
Juve Stabia-Reggiana
Pescara-Venezia
Serie B: the match with at least one goal per team
Modena-Bari
The match with less than three goals in total
Catanzaro-Carrarese
Odds comparison
A Venezia win is priced at 1.82 on Goldbet Goldbete Lottomatica and 1.83 on Snai. The “Under 2.5” bet in Catanzaro-Carrarese is priced at 1.50 on Goldbet, Lottomatica, and Snai.
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