Paul Merson has now shared his predictions ahead of the Premier League clash between Manchester United and Manchester City on Sunday.
The 55-year-old was writing in his column for Sports Keeda.
So, what did Paul Merson say about Manchester City and Manchester United? Let’s take a look…
What’s the story?
Well, the Sky Sports pundit thinks Erik ten Hag could be on the end of a “messy” scoreline at Old Trafford on Sunday when Pep Guardiola’s treble winners come to visit.
Merson said: “Manchester United’s results have papered over their cracks in recent weeks, I give them absolutely no chance against Manchester City. The Citizens will have the lion’s share of possession and United will look to hit on the break, which is how I see the game being played out.
“The Red Devils are going to get well beaten soon, so they need to be careful against City to avoid a messy scoreline.”
Merson eventually went with a 3-1 win for Manchester City.
We agree with every word.
Manchester United have been scraping by so far this season, and sooner or later, the chickens will come home to roost for the Red Devils.
Manchester City team news ahead of Manchester United clash
Fortunately for Guardiola, he should have everyone available apart from Kevin De Bruyne and Manuel Akanji.
The latter will serve his one-match ban in Sunday’s Manchester derby after picking up two yellow cards in Saturday’s 2-1 win over Brighton.
In regards to De Bruyne, the Belgian is still sidelined with a hamstring injury.
While those are two significant absences, Guardiola was fortunate enough to see the rest of his squad emerge from the Wankdorf Stadium’s plastic pitch unscathed, so Manchester City are in good shape for Sunday’s Manchester derby.
Manchester City actually changed their training schedule to deal with the troublesome surface in Switzerland.
Hopefully, the treble winners avoid any injuries in training between now and Sunday, and can overcome Manchester United at Old Trafford.
