Manchester City take on arch-rivals Manchester United on Super Sunday, but who will emerge victorious at the Etihad?
Pep Guardiola’s side head into the first Manchester derby of the Premier League season sitting top of the table after an unbeaten start to the campaign.
In contrast, United are languishing down in seventh, already nine points behind the defending champions after losing three of their opening 11 league matches.
However, United manager Jose Mourinho did manage to get one over on City the last time they clashed in the league in April, when the visitors came back from 2-0 down to win 3-2 and temporarily halt their city rivals’ title march.
In the predictions that have been done so far, chances of Manchester City winning the game have been rated highly, with City winning with not less than two goal.
According to a survey done by Sky sports on Soccer Saturday pundits, different predictions have been given with very few predicting a Manchester United win.
Phil Thompson: Man City to win 2-0
I see City dominating from a very early stage. Manchester United will be happy to sit back and just try and stay in the game, even if they’re 1-0 down – Jose’s teams don’t change if they’re just 1-0 down, it’s got to be 2-0 before he changes it otherwise he’ll leave it until late on. If City score first, as I think they will, then it’ll be a tough afternoon for United.
Matt Le Tissier: Man City to win 2-0
I know United managed to beat them last season but that was an amazing turnaround and I don’t see that happening two years in a row.
Paul Merson: Man City to win 3-1
United have big problems at centre back. If United start like they did against Bournemouth, then the game will be over inside 15 minutes. It wouldn’t surprise me if City win this 5-0, but this is Jose Mourinho, who always turns up in the big games. He’ll have a plan to keep United in the game. City will be nervous despite United being the bigger club. The pressure is on City as they are expected to win. I think they will. 3-1.
Charlie Nicholas: Man City to win 3-1
Man City win because I think Man Utd will be a bit cautious and get a bit frustrated without the ball and City in those wide positions have too much pace and skill for United to handle. Then you look at the United centre-backs, whatever two Jose plays they’re going to have to play the game of their lives to keep Cty out and I just don’t see that happening.