Eight reasons why Manchester United can beat Man City in Premier League fixture

Manchester United are looking to defy the odds and disrupt Manchester City's Premier League title charge when they travel to the Etihad Stadium this afternoon (Sunday, 4.30pm kick off UK time).

Currently 19 points behind Pep Guardiola's side in the table, United are overwhelming underdogs ahead of the 187th competitive meeting between the two clubs. So while City are looking to retain their Premier League crown, United — despite splashing out more than £120million on world-class talent last summer — are facing a fight just to finish inside the top-four.

United will enter the contest off the back of a disappointing goalless draw with Watford last weekend and City will be targeting a third successive win after victories over Everton and Peterborough in the past week or so. With that in mind, United are not fancied to cause a stir and scoop all three points.

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But whilst you may be thinking that United have no chance at all on Sunday afternoon, form can often fly out of the window on derby day. Furthermore, unexpected drama is almost certainly guaranteed in some capacity.

With that said, here are eight reasons why United's supporters should have some optimism going into the game:

1. United's Etihad record

Although City have dominated the football scene in Manchester in recent years, they have not had things all their own way when United have visited the Etihad of late. The Reds have won their last three visits in league and cup and won four of their last five on City territory.

That has to count for something. United have entered all of those contests as the lesser fancied team and risen to the challenge each and every time,