Paul Merson doesn’t believe Manchester United will come away from the Etihad with any points when they face City on Sunday afternoon.

The Sky Sports pundit expects Erik ten Hag’s side to sit deep and play on the counter-attack, much like they did against Liverpool and Arsenal, but he doesn’t think they’ll be able to keep out their city rivals:

“Man United are going to sit back and soak it all up, with Marcus Rashford playing on the counter. They’ll have to defend unbelievably well to get anything out of this match. I don’t see how they’re going to sit back without Man City not hurting them, and I think Pep Guardiola’s side will break them down eventually.”

Merson has gone with a 3-1 win to City, which is not an entirely surprising prediction, considering the home side head into the match this weekend as strong favourites.

You certainly wouldn’t bet on United keeping a clean sheet but, you do feel that the Red Devils will be able to present a real threat on the break, especially if Rashford is fit.

City’s defence has been vulnerable this season. They conceded three goals away against Newcastle, while they were 2-0 down at half-time versus Crystal Palace.

The Premier League champions can be got at, but the big question is, can United hold out at the other end? Merson seems to think they can’t.