Manchester United vs Manchester City: Paul Merson gives his prediction

Ahead of Saturday’s crunch game between Manchester United and our noisy neighbours, Manchester City, Arsenal hero, Paul Merson, has backed the reigning Premier League champions to get all three points. 

But Merson believes the game will be too difficult for United, as he doesn’t see how we’ll get the ball from a very compact City side.

He told Sportskeeda: “I don’t see where Manchester United are going to get the ball from in this game, and they could find themselves in another embarrassing situation this weekend.

“United have played on the counter with pace against Manchester City with good results in the past, but I don’t see how they can manage that with both Cavani and Ronaldo up front.

“City will probably pass the ball for fun, and Manchester United are not going to get near it.

“I would personally go with Ronaldo, Greenwood, and Rashford in this game, and I’d be shocked if Solskjaer field both Ronaldo and Cavani because they’re not going to get much of the ball.

“But then again, with Solskjaer, nothing really shocks me anymore.

“Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be under pressure if he loses this game, but he’ll probably win against Watford next weekend and we’re back to square one with Manchester United.

“They’re one of the biggest clubs in the world, and they’ve gone three and a half years without winning a trophy.”

He added: “Manchester City also have a bit of a selection problem. It’s pretty hard to pick between Grealish, Foden, and Mahrez, and it’ll be interesting to see what Pep does this weekend.

“It’s a big game for Manchester City – they’re already four points behind Chelsea and cannot afford to lose at Old Trafford.

“Liverpool tore Manchester United to shreds last week, and I don’t see anything other than a Man City victory here. I’m going for 3-1 to City.”