Man Utd v Man City

The Manchester derby should be a treat to watch for the neutrals with a feast of attacking football looking like a certainty. Between them, the Premier league’s top two have rattled in 52 goals from just eight games apiece. United have scored in all of their 13 league and cup games to date - notching 37 in total. City have been even more devastating on their travels than at the Etihad; 14 goals from four away fixtures averages out at 3.5 per game. All things considered, Sportingbet look generous to be offering 11/2 on there being more than 4.5 goals in the match.

You don’t have to search hard for a precedent. When these neighbours last met, in the Community Shield as recently as August, City led 2-0 before United stormed back for a 3-2 victory. The meeting before last at Old Trafford was even more of a goal-fest - that one ended 4-3.

Furthermore, both teams will have their full array of attacking options at their disposal - a certain Mr Tevez aside. The goal tallies of the rest are formidable. For City there’s Aguero (8), Dzeko (7) and a resurgent Balotelli with four. United have Rooney with 11, ably assisted by Wellbeck (5), Nani (5) and Hernandez, who is just getting going with three.

With several bookmakers only offering 4/1 on more than 4.5 goals, the threat of a goal blitz has been acknowledged by those in the know. With this in mind, Sportingbet’s 11/2 looks irresistible.