Expert Paul Merson has made his predictions for this weekend’s Manchester derby and backed three Manchester United stars to “expose” Manchester City.
Sunday’s Manchester derby at the Etihad Stadium is unpredictable as both clubs are thrown into disarray.
Manchester City Just one win in ten games in all competitions and looks far apart in every position. As for Manchester United, they have lost two Premier League games in a row as they take time to adapt to life under a new manager. Ruben Amorim.
Before this game, Manchester United ranked 13th in the Premier League, 8 points behind fourth-placed Manchester City. But they are well ahead of Pep Guardiola’s side in the table.
Predicting the game, Merson backed City to win 2-1 but named three players who could “expose” Guardiola’s side as United “have a chance”, but with one condition.
“If Rúben Amorim wants to win this game, he must choose a frontcourt consisting of the likes of Amad Diallo, Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Ganaccio trio.” Merson said in his column for Sportskeeda.
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“Everyone is exposing City on the counter-attack and the pace of this trio can hurt them.
“If United can beat Manchester City with pace, they have a chance in this game. They must not sit back and hide in a shell while trying to defend all the time. They have to take the game to their opponents.
“But I still think City have the advantage here.”
Merson also commented on Rashford’s situation, claiming it would be “difficult” for United to “get rid of him”.
“There are rumors that Amorim approved the sale of Rashford before the January transfer window. However, I am not sure who bought him,” Merson added.
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“His wages are ridiculous and his performance is not justified at all! It will be difficult to get rid of him.
“Manchester United are in disarray and they sell one of their highest-paid players? It doesn’t make sense to the buyer.
“If it’s PSG, why don’t they just sign the guy Manchester United want to replace Rashford? That’s a better deal.”
Michael Owen has also made his predictions for the Manchester derby, claiming United fans won’t be “completely stunned” during the game.
Owen said: “I think this is probably the first time in a long time that Manchester United fans didn’t completely panic during the game and believed they could be beaten 5-0.”
“Manchester City are beyond recognition now and I can’t imagine how they can beat anyone by five points now, the way they are playing.”
He added: “This is probably the toughest derby to play in many years and you might say City will win but I’m not so sure this time.
“Anything can happen. My prediction is 1-1 because I can’t see where City’s next win will come from.
“I watched their game against Crystal Palace the other day. It felt like they couldn’t control any of the game at the moment.”
