Paul Merson states his prediction for Man City v Man United

Man United manager Jose Mourinho Photo: Uefa handout

Paul Merson is confident that Manchester City will ease to a straightforward win against Manchester City in Sunday’s derby at The Etihad.

The Red Devils have managed to build some momentum over the past month or so after collecting 10 points from their last four Premier League outings.

Manchester United have secured comeback victories over Newcastle United and Bournemouth, while the Red Devils chalked up a comfortable 2-1 win over Everton.

Jose Mourinho’s men secured a 2-2 draw with third-placed Chelsea FC at Stamford Bridge last month thanks to Anthony Martial’s two goals.

Manchester United continued to show their resilience at Juventus in mid-week after the Red Devils were 2-1 winners despite Cristiano Ronaldo breaking the deadlock in the Champions League clash.

However, Manchester City have been in brilliant form in all competitions and the Citizens were 6-0 winners against Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League on Wednesday night.

Pep Guardiola’s side are sitting at the top of the Premier League table and two points ahead of title challengers Chelsea FC and Liverpool FC.

The Eastlands outfit have won all six of their home fixtures in the English top flight this term, scoring 24 goals and conceding three times.

Former Arsenal playmaker Merson believes Manchester City will beat Manchester United at The Etihad on Sunday.

“United have big problems at centre back,” Merson told Sky Sports.

“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.”

Manchester City will be looking to exact revenge on Manchester United after their humiliating 3-2 loss to Mourinho’s side last term.

Indeed, the Citizens appeared to be on course to secure their third Premier League title with a win against Manchester United after goals from Vincent Kompany and Ilkay Gundogan in the first half.

However, Paul Pogba scored twice in the second half to level the derby clash before Chris Smalling netted a dramatic winner to make Manchester City wait to get their hands on the trophy.

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