Chris Sutton has challenged Graeme Souness' views
Chris Sutton has challenged Graeme Souness' views
Premier League pundits Chris Sutton and Ally McCoist see Sunday's Manchester derby going very differently. The first Manchester derby of the season takes place on Sunday at Old Trafford, with Man Utd hoping to recover from a disappointing start, while City are looking to maintain their perfect Premier League record.
Michael Carrick's men have only won one of their first three league games, but they did manage to win comfortably against Sabah in the Champions League during the week, while Enzo Maresca is off to a flyer, with City winning all three league games and defeating FC Porto in the Champions League.
With it still being so early in the season, derbies like this one are even harder to predict, but that will not stop pundits from giving it a crack, and there are two very different predictions from BBC Sport's Sutton and TNT Sports' McCoist.
Chris Sutton's Manchester derby prediction
Chris Sutton Teammates XI
Chris Sutton Teammates XI
"I have got this result really badly wrong over the past couple of seasons, when I have tended to go for City, but I am not sure this time," Sutton began. "City are more methodical under Enzo Maresca, with the way that he builds play from the back - they won't be swashbuckling, put it that way.
"I don't think he has changed much about his way of playing from when he was in charge at Chelsea, and United will be ready for that. I really like United boss Michael Carrick and the way he does not get too carried away, win or lose.
"Everton's late equaliser would have felt like a loss last weekend, but United still haven't clicked in attack yet, and that's part of the problem for them. Then I look at the goals they are shipping too, and wonder if they are really good enough to keep City out? I am not so sure they are, but I also think they can hurt City.
"City have made a brilliant start, with four wins out of four in all competitions since the Premier League got under way, but if they looked a little vulnerable against Coventry then United are going to cause them more problems. Prediction: 2-2."
The last five Manchester derby results
Man Utd 0-2 Man City (Most recent)
Man City 3-0 Man Utd
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
Man City 1-2 Man Utd
Man Utd 1-1 Man City
Ally McCoist's Manchester derby prediction
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sipa_60025158 (1)
Meanwhile, McCoist predicted: "I just cannot see Manchester United keeping a clean sheet at the moment. City have been getting more crosses into the box than usual, which clearly suits their centre-forward [Erling Haaland], who has been remarkable and is scoring headers as well as using his power and strength.
"United have been up and down so far, and while they were much better against Ipswich Town after being poor against Hull, I don't see them taking anything from this derby. I think United will score, but they don't make you believe. They're not convincing. Prediction: Manchester United 1-3 Manchester City."
Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford
Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford