Manchester City will look to climb back into the Premier League’s top four when they take on bitter rivals Manchester United on Sunday.
Manchester City have had a poor season by their usually high standards, but they’re still well in the picture to qualify for the Champions League next term.
Meanwhile, Manchester United are languishing in the lower reaches of the Premier League table and lost their last game, away at Nottingham Forest.
However, the form book can go out of the window in derbies, so Pep Guardiola’s charges must be at their best against their rivals at Old Trafford.
Pundit Paul Merson has now predicted how he feels City will fare against their bitter rivals.
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Paul Merson believes Manchester derby will end in 1-1 draw
Merson believes United “have a chance” against City and doesn’t think Guardiola’s side will dominate proceedings on their rivals’ turf.
He singled Jack Grealish out for praise for his display in a deeper midfield role against Leicester, but said you can’t look too much into their win against such a poor opponent.
Merson went on to predict a 1-1 draw between the two sides.
“The Manchester derby this time around isn’t a foregone conclusion like in the past few years,” Merson wrote on Sportskeeda.
“I feel Manchester United have a chance. It’s not like City are playing well and I don’t expect them to dominate the hosts at Old Trafford.
Jack Grealish looked good in that deeper midfield role against Leicester.
“But I don’t really know how much that performance really means cause Leicester are one of the worst teams in the division!
“All I’m saying is that City isn’t at their best and that gives United a strong chance to get something from this game.”
Meanwhile, Chris Sutton has predicted a 2-1 win for Man City.
Manchester United v Manchester City team news
City are sadly set to be without Erling Haaland for around seven weeks after he suffered an ankle injury in the FA Cup win over Bournemouth.
Haaland joins Manuel Akanji, Nathan Ake, Erling Haaland, Rodri and John Stones on the sidelines for the reigning Premier League champions.
However, Abdukodir Khusanov is in contention to start in defence against United, having been rested for the win over Leicester City.
As for the visitors, Kobbie Mainoo is in line to return after two months out with a calf injury.
Matthijs de Ligt is a doubt after picking up an injury against Forest, while Ayden Heaven, Jonny Evans, Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw are all on the sidelines.
