Alan Shearer and Paul Merson disagree as pundits make Man City vs Manchester United predictions

The latest Man United and Manchester City news as several pundits have given their thoughts on the Manchester derby this weekend.

Manchester City and Manchester United meet for the first time this season on Sunday. (Image: Martin Rickett/PA Wire.)

The Premier League returns with a bang after the international break for Manchester City and Manchester United.

United make the short journey to the Etihad Stadium for the first Manchester derby of the season on Sunday afternoon (4.30pm kick-off). Both teams will be looking to get one over on their rivals and take all three points.

City go into the match looking to bounce back from two defeats from their opening three games. A 4-0 opening day win over Wolves has been followed by a 2-0 defeat vs Tottenham and a 2-1 loss to Brighton.

The start of the campaign has been a mixed bag for United with one win, one draw and one defeat. There was also a sobering penalty shootout loss against Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup.

They did however go into the international break on a high with Bruno Fernandes’ late penalty giving them a 3-2 win over Burnley in their last outing.

Sunday's game at the Etihad will have the eyes of the world on it. Ahead of the match pundits have already been giving their thoughts as to what the outcome could be.

Here’s a look at what just some have had to say.

Sergio Aguero

The former Man City striker told Stake.com: “Derbies are always emotional moments for teams and their supporters, living outside the realm of their regular ups and downs.

“This one arrives with both sides raring for a change in fortunes. There's a spanner in the works too – the FIFA matchday that will have some players arriving worn out from international games. But I trust City will take the win.

“These are usually tight matches, won by whoever better capitalises on their opportunities. A few exceptions here and there to this rule, no doubt – but I don't see any one of the two teams being overwhelmingly better than the other. I'd expect a high-intensity match.

“I think it'll come down to midfield possession, so whoever gets more chances to stand out in that area, perhaps. It's a shame that [Rayan] Cherki is out, for this reason. That being said, I think City has the players to ensure controlling the ball as I mentioned.”

Augero’s prediction: Man City win

Alan Shearer

“Home win,” he told Betfair. “It's a huge game for both clubs already this season and it always is.

“But because of what's happened to Man City and the pressure Man United could be under, it's a huge game. I'll go for a home win.”

Shearer’s prediction: Man City win

Harry Redknapp

He told BetVictor: “What a game this should be and I’ll be honest, I’m not quite sure what to expect!

“City have been all over the place in the last couple of games, I just didn’t see that coming. I do expect a big response from Pep’s side here though but defensively; Pep must have big concerns about his side.

“As for United, they got that dramatic win over Burnley but was that just papering over the cracks? Only time will tell I suppose. I do like the way United attack and I think Cunha and Mbeumo have really settled in well and look such a threat.

“I’m going for City to win 3-1 but it’s so hard to predict those two sides right now!”

Redknapp’s prediction: Man City 3-1 Man United

Chris Sutton

“I can see Bryan Mbeumo hurting City, with United counter-attacking and him being a thorn in their backline chasing balls in behind,” he told BBC Sport. “I am also not as convinced by City if James Trafford keeps his place in goal.

“So, I think United will definitely score, but I still cannot go against City at Etihad Stadium because we know they will create chances there.

“It is a massive week for them, with Napoli visiting in the Champions League on Thursday before they head to Arsenal next weekend, and of course people are going to judge them on these results. After losing two of their first three league games, this week could decide if they are in the title race, or if they are ruled out of it.

“I don't want to keep bringing up the goalkeeper but City's chances of getting the results they need will definitely be improved if new signing Gianluigi Donnarumma is in goal because right now they need a big presence there, and Trafford doesn't give them that.

“The same position is a huge call for United boss Ruben Amorim on Sunday too, but in a totally different way.

“United signed Senne Lammens ahead of Villa's Emi Martinez, who has definitely got the kind of presence that brings confidence to his defence the same way Donnarumma does.”

Sutton’s prediction: Man City 2-1 Man United

Paul Merson

“I thought Manchester United were really good the other day against Burnley,” he told SportsKeeda. “It was a bit like the Manchester United of the old times. But they still needed a penalty at the end to win that game and that is a concern if you ask me.

“Manchester City looked comfortable until the substitutions changed the game for Brighton. I'm looking for reasons to back City here and I can't find any if I'm being honest! They don't have a player like David Silva or Kevin De Bruyne anymore, so who is going to step up?

“Julian Alvarez was the kind of player who could have picked the ball up and pulled off something special in games like these, but they don't have him either! Erling Haaland isn't that type of a player, he relies on people like Silva and De Bruyne for service. And I've always said that Jeremy Doku is a hit-and-miss, so this isn't the dominant Manchester City we once knew.

“City were terrible against Tottenham at the Etihad. I actually think Manchester United's front-three can hurt them in this game. I say that despite having the opinion that United will not finish in the top six this season, so you can imagine what I think of City at the moment!

“I'm going to go for a draw but if someone told me I had to pick a winner, I would only choose Manchester United. I just don't think Ruben Amorim's men will lose this game.”

Merson’s prediction: Man City 1-1 Man United