Manchester United and Manchester City are set to face off in the FA Community Shield final at Wembley Stadium this weekend, marking the beginning of the 2024-25 campaign. The two teams recently competed in the FA Cup final, where Manchester United emerged victorious under the leadership of Erik ten Hag.
Despite the win, there have been doubts surrounding Ten Hag’s position as manager, but co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has shown faith in him for the upcoming season. Manchester United has also made significant signings in Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee, although injuries continue to plague the team.
Yoro is expected to be sidelined until October due to a foot injury, while other key players like Harry Maguire and Rasmus Hojlund are also dealing with fitness concerns. This has led to Manchester United being labeled as underdogs heading into the match against Manchester City.
On the other hand, Manchester City has had a mixed pre-season, with losses to teams like Celtic, AC Milan, and Barcelona. However, a recent victory over Chelsea with a hat-trick from Erling Haaland has boosted their confidence. City will be looking to capitalize on United’s injury woes and secure a win in the upcoming match.
In terms of betting odds, Manchester United is currently priced at 15/4, while Manchester City is favored at 6/11. Experts predict a challenging game for Manchester United, given their injury concerns and lackluster pre-season performance. Manchester City, with their strong lineup, is expected to dominate the match.
For those looking to place bets, William Hill is offering a £60 welcome bonus for new customers. Betting tips suggest that Manchester City is likely to score over 2.5 goals in the match, with Erling Haaland being a key player to watch. The Norwegian striker has been in top form and could pose a significant threat to Manchester United’s defense.
Overall, the upcoming clash between Manchester United and Manchester City promises to be an exciting one, with both teams eager to kick off the new season with a win. Fans and bettors alike will be keeping a close eye on the match to see how it unfolds. Remember to gamble responsibly and enjoy the game!