Manchester Rivals Battle for FA Community Shield

FA Community Shield: Man U vs Man City Odds are Wide But...

Second Straight Manchester Derby at Wembley

English soccer’s curtain raiser is on Saturday, as Manchester United take on rivals Manchester City in the FA Community Shield at London’s famed Wembley Stadium. This is a continuation of last’ season’s “Manchester Derby”, which ended last season with a surprise triumph from United in the FA Cup final. 

We’re in for a second straight Derby at Wembley and City are out for revenge. They also try to break their Community Shield curse. City haven’t taken home the Community Shield in their last three appearances though they’re favorites here. 

Here, we’ll take a look at the full Man U vs Man City odds and preview the match. 

Manchester United vs Manchester City

Day/Time:
Location: Wembley Stadium, London, England
Stream: ESPN+

Manchester United vs Manchester City Head-to-Head:

This is the third-ever meeting between Manchester United and Manchester City in the FA Community Shield. United defeated City 1-0 in 1956 and were also victorious in 2011, with a 3-2 result. 

United also won the last time these teams played, in May’s FA Cup final. Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo scored as Man United defeated Man City 2-1. The Man U vs Man City odds listed United as +700 underdogs for that match. 

Still, Man City have won six of the last eight meetings between the two sides, in all competitions. 

Injuries Piling Up for Manchester United

Manchester United ended the 2023-24 season with an injury crisis and Erik ten Hag may have another one on his hands heading into 2024-25. Starting striker Rasmus Hojlund is out with a hamstring injury for another month and Lenny Yoro, a big-money center back signing from Lille, is out for a couple of months with a leg injury. 

Meanwhile, Tyrell Malacia remains out with a knee issue and Jonny Evans is questionable with an illness. Center backs Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof are also listed as “questionable” with minor injuries. We think the pair can start on Saturday, as Lisandro Martinez will likely be rested after going the distance with Argentina at Copa America. 

Manchester United had a disappointing league season in 2024-25. Their FA Cup triumph was a silver lining. United finished in eighth place in the Premier League, their worst finish in the EPL era, with an 18-6-14 record. Hojlund was United’s leading scorer, in all competitions, with 16 goals but new signing Joshua Zirkzee has an opportunity to impress up front on Saturday.

In positive Man U news, Masoun Mount seems to have overcome his nagging injuries and could start in attacking midfield. Plus, Jadon Sancho is back in the fold after the winger fell out with Ten Hag and went to Borussia Dortmund on loan. Key creator Bruno Fernandes only recently returned to training, which means he may start on the bench here. 

In preseason, United went 2-3 and lost 3-0 to Liverpool last Saturday. Amad Diallo impressed in those matches and the winger could start here. 

Man City Struggle Without Rodri

Last season, Manchester City became Premier League champions for an unprecedented fourth straight year.  Manchester City have been superb for Premier League betting in recent seasons. They won their final nine games of the EPL season in 2023-24.

Pep Guardiola has nothing else to prove in English soccer but his City have lost three straight FA Community Shields. 

In 2023, Arsenal scored a late equalizer in this match and City fell in penalty kicks. This time, the City players unlikely to feature are Kyle Walker, John Stones, Rodri, and the 2023-24 Premier League Player of the Season, Phil Foden. All four took part in the Euro 2024 final and only recently returned to training. 

Plus, goalkeeper Ederson is dealing with a minor injury and Stefan Ortega could start in net. With some solid performances in preseason, young Norwegian winger Oscar Bobb should start on the right wing. City only won one of their four preseason matches but it’s not exactly expected to be a sign of things to come. 

Still, City only went 1-3 without Rodri in the Premier League last season. Mateo Kovacic has big shoes to fill in midfield for a City side unlikely to risk some of their stars. However, Guardiola could utilize key playmaker Kevin De Bruyne. 

Match Analysis & Odds

Sure, the Man U vs Man City odds price the Cityzens as -200 favorites to win this match in normal time but don’t expect them to steamroll Man United, who are +390 underdogs. When they’ve been underdogs in the Ten Hag, era United have often exceeded expectations. 

Plenty counted United out of May’s FA Cup final but they managed an improbable victory against a City team with Rodri in the starting lineup. City don’t take the Community Shield as seriously as other competitions and that could also give United a chance here. 

United +1.5 sits at -185 odds, while City -1.5 is priced at +125. A draw also comes in at +360 and the match would go directly into penalties in this case.

Goals are expected here, especially with makeshift lineups on both sides but under 3.5 goals show -160 odds. Even with Guardiola resting some key players, expect two-time defending EPL Golden Boot winner Erling Haaland to start.

For Soccer betting news, odds analysis, and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.


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