Sky Sports pundits have been busy analysing all the narratives feeding into United and City this afternoon, and we have been blessed with a typically bold Paul Merson Manchester derby prediction.
Paul Merson Manchester Derby Prediction
Attempting to predict Manchester United vs Manchester City can often prove perilous, and recent form typically flies out the window as soon as the whistle blows and the first ball is kicked.
That could not have been more true in the most recent head-to-head back in January, where the repeat of this weekend’s fixture saw United claim the unlikeliest of late wins.
Manchester City faced their first set of consecutive Premier League defeats since 2018 against Wolves and Arsenal, but if there is any team that can go on to register a double-digit winning streak not long after, it is City.
They are back on track after beating Brighton, while United have had to rely on late heroics to edge past a winless Sheffield side, and Brentford in their recent fixtures.
Sky pundit Paul Merson believes Erik Ten Hag’s side have been hanging on by a thread despite their recent victories, and is predicting a comfortable afternoon for the blue side of Manchester.
Speaking to Sportskeeda, he said: “Manchester United’s results have papered over their cracks in recent weeks.
“I give them absolutely no chance against Manchester City. The Cityzens 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.
“You only have to look at Manchester United’s UEFA Champions League clash against Copenhagen to see what I mean when I say Manchester United aren’t good enough – they need a 95th-minute penalty save from Andre Onana to fall over the line against the Danish side at home.
Similarly, against Brentford, Scott McTominay rescued them in injury time after they were thoroughly dominated for 85 minutes of the game.
“The Red Devils are going to get well-beaten soon, so they need to be careful against City to avoid a messy scoreline.”
Paul Merson Manchester derby Prediction: Manchester United 1-3 Manchester City
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