Opta 
/ Michael Lintorn / 21 October 2011 / Leave a Comment 
Sir Alex Ferguson has had the beating of Mancini in the Premier League
"Manchester United have won five and lost none of the last six Premier League games against their city rivals."
Michael Lintorn has examined the Opta evidence to judge what bets to place on the Manchester derby, from which Chelsea may emerge as the true victors...
Manchester United have won five and lost none of the last six Premier League games against their city rivals
Given that each of those clashes took place in the aftermath of Manchester City's landscape-altering takeover, this is a hugely impressive record for Sir Alex Ferguson's side to boast. Coupled with their remarkable home form, which Opta reveal reads 19 straight league victories at Old Trafford, the hint is that the chance to back Manchester United at odds greater than evens is one not to be rejected.
There have been five 90th minute or later goals scored in the last eight matches in all competitions between the rivals, three of them to win the match for Manchester United
This stat could prove invaluable for in-play bettors, but it is also useful as an indicator to expect more goals in the second half than the first. A glance at the archives shows that such a bet would have been successful in five of the last six derbies, while the other ended goalless. In addition, there has been more action after the break in seven of Manchester City's eight league games to date, with 25 of the 33 goals in those fixtures scored in the second period.
None of the eight previous teams to have netted more than 20 goals after eight games in a Premier League campaign have gone on to win the title - both these sides have exceeded the 20-goal mark
Okay, so this Opta pearl doesn't relate to the outcome of Sunday's match, but it offers a fascinating insight into the oft-dismissed concept of peaking too soon. Chelsea, who came a Fernando Torres sitter at Old Trafford away from breaching the barrier themselves, are just three points off the pace and, provided they justify their odds of [1.4] to triumph at QPR, certain to close the gap on at least one of the pacesetters on Sunday. Is this consequently a good time to back the Blues for the title?
Recommended Bets:
Manchester United to win @ [2.14]
The second half to feature the most goals @ [2.2]
Chelsea to win the Premier League @ [4.2]
Click here to read even more from Opta about this encounter
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