The Premier League is in action Tuesday and Wednesday to make up games postponed due to FA Cup conflicts earlier in the month. Two of the three championship contenders are in action with the big match today featuring the battle for Manchester as United faces City at Old Trafford (3.45 p.m. ET, NBC Sports Network).
United has rebounded after a 3-0 pounding at home by Liverpool with victories over Olympiacos and West Ham. Robin Van Persie is out 4-6 weeks with a knee injury, but United did not miss him on Saturday, as Wayne Rooney scored two goals, including a magnificent strike from the midfield line.
The LVH SuperBook is giving United some respect at home -- or at least anticipating some public money on the Red Devils. City is offered at +110 for the derby (either minus a goal or on the three-way result). United can be had at plus a half-goal at -130, and anyone who thinks United can pull the outright upset can get them at +250. A draw is also +250.
City won the season's first meeting, 4-1 at home back in September.
Goal.com's pick: Writes handicapper Al Hain-Cole of Goal.com, "While victories over Olympiakos and West Ham are one thing, it will take a much higher level of performance to overcome a City side that have won four of the last five derbies in the Premier League, scoring 15 goals along the way. Unfortunately for the Red Devils, their previous results in high profile games suggest they will struggle to reach that level on Tuesday."
Cole backs City at plus-money today.
Goal.com is a Perform Group sister publication of Sporting News. Check of Goal's betting hub here, and read more about this week's Premier League games and updated futures odds here.