Defensive concerns see Manchester City drift in derby betting

Manchester City head to Old Trafford on Sunday looking to break the Premier League record for consecutive victories but if they are to stretch their winning streak to 14 it may be with the help of a makeshift defence against Manchester United.

Pep Guardiola has confirmed that skipper Vincent Kompany is doubtful and told City’s official website: “Kompany before the game against Shakhtar felt something and was not comfortable. That’s why he could not play. He knows his body better than anyone.”

With John Stones already sidelined it could mean another start for Eliaquim Mangala at centre-back. Left-back Fabian Delph is a doubt due to illness, so Danilo is on standby with Benjamin Mendy a long-term absentee.

There was some good news for Guardiola, who welcomes back David Silva, but the Premier League leaders have drifted to 5-4 to win the derby.

United counterpart Jose Mourinho has announced that Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Nemanja Matic and Phil Jones are all available for his side, although there is a doubt over Marouane Fellaini who will be assessed closer to kick-off.

Injured pair Michael Carrick and Eric Bailly join the suspended Paul Pogba on the sidelines as United look to maintain their perfect Premier League record at Old Trafford this season against a City side who have won all of their top-flight away fixtures.

It’s 4-7 with bet365 that United win no more than 15 league home games this season and they are 66-1 to triumph in all 19 with City the same price to land a clean sweep in their away contests.

Paddy Power paid out on City winning the title earlier this week and bet365 are offering 9-1 that Guardiola’s side go through the league campaign undefeated.

The fixture is set to be played in difficult conditions with the Met Office issuing an amber warning with snow predicted.

Betway are 10-11 that the Manchester derby collects more booking points than the usually fiery Merseyside derby (5-4) and West Ham v Chelsea (7-4). It’s ten points per yellow card and 25 for each red card.

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