Paul Merson has predicted the result of Sunday’s huge Premier League clash between Manchester City and Manchester United.
Manchester City will look to put their awful August behind them in a real ‘six-pointer’ of a clash in which local bragging rights are also at stake.
The Citizens beat Wolves 4-0 in their season opener, but then lost to Tottenham and Brighton ahead of the international break.
Manchester United have also had a poor start to the season – Grimsby Town, enough said – but they did beat Burnley last time out.
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Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur FC and Arsenal FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on September 15, 2024
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Paul Merson predicts 1-1 derby draw
Paul Merson has not been impressed with Man City, noting how “terrible” they were against Tottenham, and believes they are vulnerable going into the game against their arch-rivals.
More Man City News
At the same time, the pundit noted how Man United needed a penalty to beat Burnley, which he said was a “concern”.
Merson concluded by predicting a 1-1 draw at the Etihad Stadium, though he said he would back Man United if he was forced to pick a winner.
“I thought Manchester United were really good the other day against Burnley,” he wrote on Sportskeeda.
“It was a bit like the Manchester United of the old times. But they still needed a penalty at the end to win that game and that is a concern if you ask me.
“Manchester City looked comfortable until the substitutions changed the game for Brighton. I’m looking for reasons to back City here and I can’t find any if I’m being honest!”
Merson continued: “City were terrible against Tottenham at the Etihad. I actually think Manchester United’s front-three can hurt them in this game.
“I say that despite having the opinion that United will not finish in the top six this season, so you can imagine what I think of City at the moment!
“I’m going to go for a draw but if someone told me I had to pick a winner, I would only choose Manchester United. I just don’t think Ruben Amorim’s men will lose this game.”
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Manchester City provisional team news vs Manchester United
Eight City players who were previously doubts for the United game returned to training on Thursday, according to City Xtra.
They are Savinho, Phil Foden, Josko Gvardiol, Abdukodir Khusanov, Rico Lewis, Kalvin Phillips, Nico O’Reilly and Marcus Bettinelli.
Rayan Cherki, Mateo Kovacic and Omar Marmoush have been ruled out for the game, and it remains to be seen whether John Stones and Rayan Ait-Nouri will be available.