WhoScored Tipster: Manchester Derby Takes Centre Stage in This Week's Top Tips

It seems as though all of the major leagues don't want to take to the stage at the weekend in order to leave the spotlight on the Manchester derby.  

MANCHESTER UNITED vs MANCHESTER CITY - Over 2.5 goals @1.80 

At this moment, it’s worth noting United’s lack solidity in the Manchester Derby, while City seem to have lost in theirs in the league of late. The Red Devils are keen to make up the two point gap between themselves and their rivals - with the visitors holding a physiological advantage after nine games - but that could be extended to five points if United are slow out of the blocks on Sunday. Louis van Gaal won't naively go all guns blazing as it is in the nature of this team to hold back and wait for their chance to strike, with the traumatic 3-0 defeat at the Emirates still fresh in United’s memory. 

For City, Manuel Pellegrini must deal with what is missing - Sergio Agüero's certainly out; David Silva is perhaps sidelined; they're unlikely to be without self-confidence, however. Kevin De Bruyne’s late goal against Sevilla will have boosted morale, but the Citizens seem on edge whenever the going gets tough. The Chilean manager is likely to allow his Dutch counterpart to set the pace, though that won't be positive for him. Yaya Touré and Wilfried Bony’s physical supremacy could pave the way for space between the lines for Raheem Sterling, whose runs from midfield can upset the balance.  

Conversely, Anthony Martial’s pace for the hosts can create a mismatch against Nicolas Otamendi, with the Frenchman’s WhoScored rating (7.77) - the best of all United players - highlighting how decisive he has quickly become following his arrival from Monaco. Goals will come over the 90 minutes, as they always do with these two sides meet. City have seen Over 2.5 goals scored in their last eight competitive games, while United have seen the same in 10 of last 11. Therefore, odds of 1.80 at Bet365 for Over 2.5 goals means this is a bet not to be missed. 

CELTA VIGO vs REAL MADRID - Draw First Half @2.50 

A small minority of fans wins nothing but respect if could have predicted before the season started that, after eight games, this would have been a top-of-the-table clash. Nolito, Iago Aspas and Fabian Orellana have made Celta Vigo a brave side against all, while Real Madrid manager Rafa Benitez is expected to adopt a safe approach given he is without Gareth Bale, James Rodriguez, Karim Benzema and Mateo Kovacic. Los Blancos just don't concede having shipped fewer league goals (2) than any other team in Europe’s top 5 leagues this term, but had to navigate a demanding Champions League tie with PSG on Wednesday. 

Eduardo Berizzo knows Madrid won't travel with a careless attitude and the game will take time to open up. The performances of the right-sided players will be put to the test, with Nolito up against improving right-back Danilo and Isco for Madrid facing Jonny. Patience will be needed here. 

PALERMO vs INTER - Over 2.5 Goals @2.00 

Inter are solid, but if they have to look for the win, then the team starts to become shaky. This is likely to happen in Palermo. A draw would suit the hosts, but Inter can’t afford to miss the chance to win again after losing at home to Fiorentina, drawing away with Sampdoria and drawing at the San Siro with Juventus. Odds of 2.00 for Over 2.5 Goals seem too good to pass up considering both teams harbour respective WhoScored weaknesses of 'defending against skillful players'. 

ATLETICO MADRID vs VALENCIA - Atletico -1 Handicap @2.50 

It took a lot out of Valencia - perhaps too much - to dispatch of Gent at the Mestalla. Los Che’s problems are ongoing, while everything is clicking into place for Diego Simeone’s side with each passing week. On their travels, Valencia are unreliable. Atletico are backed at 2.50 to win with a 1 goal handicap, with the WhoScored match forecast suggesting three ways with which the hosts can score. 

PSG vs SAINT-ETIENNE - Draw First Half/PSG Second Half @3.50 

Both sides come into this fixture following intense European fixtures against Real Madrid and Dnipro, respectively. Saint-Etienne will have to plug any gaps that PSG can exploit, though they have proven they can keep the Parisian side at bay in the first half in the past, having been drawing at half time in each of the last three meetings between these two. The WhoScored match forecast suggests two ways that PSG will score, with the odds at a temping 3.50 for the Draw First Half/PSG Second Half bet.

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