Football

Manchester derby predictions as Mirror Football writers look ahead to Man City vs Man Utd


The first Manchester derby of the season is almost upon us as Manchester City prepare to take on bitter rivals Manchester United on Saturday evening.

Pep Guardiola’s side could find themselves 14 points behind league leaders Liverpool by the time they kick off if the Reds manage to beat Bournemouth earlier in the day, while United are looking to put the pressure on the likes of Chelsea in the race for a Champions League qualification spot.

This game last season saw City run out 3-1 winners, with David Silva, Sergio Aguero and Ilkay Gundogan netting for the hosts, with Anthony Martial scoring a penalty for United.

And Mirror Football writers have predicted there will be goals this time around too.

Here is what they have to say…

Ilkay Gundogan scored in Manchester City’s 3-1 win in this fixture last season

James Nursey- Man City 2-0 Man United

I envisage City strolling to a comfortable home win to increase the pressure on United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

United have lost two and drawn one of their last three away games in all competitions.

I see City being far too strong for them as they aim to keep up the pressure on leaders Liverpool who play earlier in the day at Bournemouth.

David Anderson- Man City 2-1 Man United

This should be a derby to savour after both sides returned to winning ways in midweek.

Manchester United made sure it was an unhappy homecoming for Jose Mourinho as they handed their former boss his first defeat as Tottenham boss.

Manchester City looked more like their old slick selves as they minced Burnley at Turf Moor to win 4-1.

United’s victory was particularly timely because they had only won one of their five previous games and looked distinctly ordinary last Sunday against Aston Villa.

There is sure to be an electric atmosphere at the Etihad Stadium for the encounter

I can’t escape the feeling that United are under-performing under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and they should be doing much better than they are with the talent they have.

Marcus Rashford is one player who is bucking this trend and he should be full of confidence following his two goals against Spurs. He even managed to score a penalty!

But I’m going to go with City. The manner of their win over Burnley was significant for me and after being unable to get out of second gear in their previous games, they hit top gear against the Clarets.

That’s the City we all know from their two title-winning campaigns and they look back on it.

Pep Guardiola’s side have to keep winning to have any chance of reeling Liverpool in and they know they must beat United.

This hasn’t proved too difficult for Guardiola with his four wins from seven derbies and I expect him to record a fifth victory on Saturday at the Etihad.

Chris Smalling celebrates scoring in United’s dramatic 3-2 win at the Etihad two years ago

Neil McLeman- Man City 2-1 Man United

Manchester United’s midweek win over Jose Mourinho seemed significant not only in terms of the result but how Solskjaer’s young team responded to the challenge and the pressure.

But Guardiola’s side also came out of a mini “slump” of two games without a win by refinding their rhythm against Burnley.

The consolation for United fans that it will be close – and winning would hand Liverpool the title before Christmas.

John Cross- Man City 2-1 Man United

City were fabulous at Burnley, their movement and passing was out of this world.

They’ve got defensive frailties but going forward they can blow teams away.

I loved United in midweek, Rashford was great, but I just think City will have too much.

Steve Bates- Man City 3-2 Man United

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Pep Guardiola are thought to have mutual respect for each other

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and his stars should have no fear going to The Etihad this season – but I still think City will win.

United’s season has been a mix of the good, the bad and the downright ugly at times but they have nothing to lose in terms
of the title race while Pep Guardiola’s stars know there is no margin for error in the pursuit of runaway leaders Liverpool, who could be a staggering 14 points ahead of City when the Manchester derby kicks off.

City won both Premier League derbies last season in convincing style and although they’ll be without Sergio Aguero, who always seems to score against United, Guardiola has Gabriel Jesus back in form and a more than able deputy.

The worry for Guardiola is the electrifying form of Marcus Rashford, United’s speed and threat on the break and a City defence which has looked vulnerable and leaky.

But City’s motivation to win will be sky high – because a draw or a repeat of United’s spectacular 3-2 victory in April 2018 could mean game over in the title race.

Andy Dunn- Man City 2 Man United 3

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It will be a major shock if there are no goals in this particular Manchester derby.

Pep Guardiola’s team looked back to their fluent, lethal best at Burnley on Tuesday and Marcus Rashford is in the the form of his young life.

I have said since before the start of the season that City would struggle to keep their crown with THAT defence.

With Aymeric Laporte out, that struggle is even mightier.

They are vulnerable in every game and United will take advantage. I’m going for an upset.





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