European Football - Derby Weekend Preview

The European platform offers up a handful of traditional match-ups, most notably the Manchester Derby which highlights the card.

The Madrid Derby also takes center-stage on Sunday, as Real Madrid welcome Atletico Madrid to the Santiago Bernabéu. 

These two Spanish powers are coming off European victories during the week, now they look to write another chapter in their illustrious rivalry.

Enjoy another round of top flight club football, as the weeks continue to dwindle away, we are certain to see the best possible performances by each team participating.

10310 Manchester City vs 10311 Manchester United

Etihad Stadium, Manchester, England

4-7-2018 - 12:30 pm ET

Manchester City head home after yet another dreadful result at Anfield. The Citizens took a 3-0 loss, squandering their opportunity to break a 15 year win-less curse at Liverpool's famed stadium.

The noisy neighbors now welcome their cross town rivals, looking to officially lock up the EPL title. The Red Devils are set to visit the Etihad with their own objectives in mind, we should expect another entertaining installment of the Manchester Derby.

Manchester United make the short trip to the Blue side of town, understanding Man City are coming off a terrible result during midweek play. The traditional bullies feel the Citizens are in a vulnerable position, and believe they are in a great spot to get revenge from a 1-2 loss on Match Day 13.

The Red Devils have rebounded nicely from several seasons of mediocre play. Currently 2nd in the EPL table, Man U own a overall record of 21-5-5 and 68 points to date, their second consecutive year back in the Champions League is a near formality.

José Mourinho is once again set to battle it out with his old managerial foe. The "Special One" has had a hard time topping the Man City head man over the years, now with the opportunity to play spoiler to the Citizens coronation, we should expect the Portuguese to have a masterful game-plan in mind.

Mourinho is expected to field the strongest possible lineup ahead of this weekend fixture, deploying his normal 4-2-3-1 formation, Belgium International Romelu Lukaku is set to once again lead the line for United.

Lukaku has been in sparkling form as of late, finding the back of the net in 7 of his last 9 matches in all competitions, while posting 9 total goals over this excellent scoring run.

The designated number 9 in Mourinho's attack, Lukaku is highly effective on the end of seeking through balls. With world class finishing abilities inside and outside the box, expect the Red Devils danger man to come alive during this classic Manchester Derby.

Alexis Sanchez, Jesse Lingard and Juan Mata should get start behind their powerful Forward. The United trio have been quite effective when partnered together, playing off one another with creative passing skills, this combination will play a key role in unlocking the City defense.

The Man U Midfielders are deadly accurate on the placement of through balls, and highly efficient with their crosses to the big Belgium in the box. We should witness a free-flowing style of match in the city of Manchester, as day one of Match Day 33 wraps up in the Premier League.

United always enter each match with a clear advantage between the sticks. GK - David De Gea has the ability to cover up for many of the mistakes that are made from the back-line.

De Gea has failed to concede a Goal in 17 domestic games this season, expect the Spanish International to be given a true test against the dangerous Manchester City attack.

Manchester United have shown their true qualities away from Old Tafford this season, scoring an average of 1.7 Goals per match, during their last 15 Premier League road games.

The Red Devils defense has been steady during their travels, conceding an average of 1.1 Goals per match, during their last 15 Premier League road games.

Manchester City have had a short time to erase their humbling defeat to Liverpool, but with the thought of raising the EPL trophy in front of their passionate supporters, the Citizens have plenty of motivation to put that terrible loss behind them.

City have been on top of the Premier League for the bulk of the season. With an overall record of 27-3-1, the hosts have collected an astonishing 84 points, while holding a commanding 16 point lead over their closest rival.

Pep Guardiola understands the magnitude of the Manchester Derby. After suffering a humiliating defeat to Liverpool on Wednesday, the Spaniard is quite effective in getting a positive result after a disappointing loss.

Guardiola could have the services of Sergio Aguero back in the fold, after suffering a knee injury in training a month ago. The Argentine Striker is considered a game time decision.

City are also expected to field their strongest possible starting eleven, aligned within their standard attacking 4-3-3 formation, the home side are more than capable of lighting up the scoreboard.

Gabriel Jesus would be in line for the start, if Aguero were unable to go. The young Brazilian himself only recently returned from another spell on the sideline, his talents are undeniable with 12 Goals scored in all competitions, his durability in the rough and tumble Premier League has been is main obstacle.

Leroy Sane and Raheem Sterling are ready to help carry the load at the top of the line. The dynamic set of wingers offer blistering pace, and pure quality while running at their often over-matched defenders, with 38 combined Goals scored in all competitions, expect Pep to place his trusty trigger men in the best positions to succeed.

Kevin De Bruyne and David Silva are the key figures to overall success of the squad. The genius play-makers set the tone in the Man City attack, orchestrating precise passes and pin-point service.

The Citizens often go as the this talented tandem do, with 21 Goals and 32 combined Assists in all competitions, it is easy to see just how valuable this combination is to the team.

Expect Manchester City to go all out, in attempt to place goals on the board. After being held to rare scoreless match their last time out, Pep should ask his troops to go full force, as they have failed to go score-less in two consecutive fixtures this campaign.

Manchester City have flexed their muscles during their domestic schedule, winning 26 of their last 29 matches, proving grabbing points against the Citizens has been a daunting task.

Manchester City have been quite explosive while on their own pitch, scoring an average of 3.4 Goals per match, during their last 15 Premier League home games.

The Man City defense have been quite effective while at the Etihad, conceding an average of 0.7 Goal per match, during their last 15 Premier League home games.

Prediction:

Man City enter this match on an impressive run at the Etihad, scoring 15 Goals over their last 5 home fixtures alone, while only conceding 3 Goals over that same brilliant span of play.

Manchester United have been on quite a roll themselves, winning 4 of their last EPL matches, while scoring a minimum 2 goals per game during that run of play.

This match has the all the makings of a up-tempo, free flowing style of pace. With both sides assured of Champions League spots next season, we should see less of a defensive strategy to just obtain points, as each club look to get out and run with quick counter attacking offenses, with a mass amount of shots created on goal.

I expect each side to hit the back of the net over the course of 90 minutes, with the Citizens in line to grab at least 2, in what could be a glorious day for the eventual Premier League Champions.

Tips:

Both Teams To Score - "YES"  -120 / 1.83

Over  2.5  -120 / 1.83 - Total Full Time Goals

Manchester City - Team Total Over  1.5  -125 / 1.8 - Goals

*Spain La Liga - Match Day 31 - Bonus Tip*

15819 Real Madrid vs. 15820 Atletico Madrid

4-8-2018 - 10:15 am ET

Both Teams To Score and Over 2.5 Goals  +100 / 2.0

Real Madrid  -  Team Total  Over 1.5  -125 / 1.8 - Goals

Best Of Luck To All