Paul Merson has predicted who will come out on top on Saturday: Manchester City or Manchester United.
The last three times Manchester City have faced United, they have won 2-1, 3-0 and 3-1.
But only time will tell whether Pep Guardiola can get another victory over Erik ten Hag.
Paul Merson predicts who will win: Man City or Man United
While Manchester City have won nine out of their last nine Premier League games, Manchester United have won two, lost two and drawn in their previous five league fixtures.
Both teams are coming into the FA Cup final in varying form.
But over the last few years, the Manchester Derby has often defied logic.
Predicting the upcoming contest for Sportskeeda, however, Paul Merson backs Manchester City to stroll to a 3-0 win against Manchester United.
“Much like the end of the Premier League campaign, I can’t see any drama in the Manchester City vs Manchester United clash. Shocks have happened in FA Cup finals over the years, but I can’t see anything but a Man City win here. Even the staunchest Manchester United fan wouldn’t make a case for their side to come out on top here – such is the gulf of class between the two sides.”
Merson added: “In terms of expecting a contest, there’s absolutely nothing to look forward to, as it just looks so one-sided. Manchester United have had their fair share of injuries this season but when you look at their squad, I don’t think they have a reliable spine, so they need a lot of work in the transfer market.”
Paul Merson also feels that a potential lack of hunger to beat Manchester United due to having just won the Premier League will not creep into the Manchester City camp.
“Coming back to the game, Manchester City are too good a team to slack off and show up to the game hungover from their title celebrations. They are a well-oiled machine and their mentality is phenomenal, I couldn’t talk highly enough of them.”
The pundit concluded: “I’d be shocked if Manchester United got anywhere close to winning this one, but they need to score first to have any chance of getting their hands on the trophy. A few years ago, Manchester United always had the counter-attacking threat to cause City problems, and they got a handful of results over their local rivals, but this time, I give them no chance.”
The FA Cup final could get ugly for Erik ten Hag’s side
In our view, a 3-0 prediction from Paul Merson is fair, as Manchester City are simply on another stratosphere to Manchester United as a team.
Pep Guardiola’s men always seem to understand the importance of the Manchester Derby as well.
With the disparity in terms of quality between both sides, City could make the contest an ugly sight for United supporters.
This season, Erik ten Hag’s side have struggled massively, both offensively and defensively.
For context, the Red Devils conceded more goals (58) than they scored in the league (57).
Manchester City, on the other hand, scored the most goals (96) and conceded the second-least (34) in the division.
A cricket score in the Sky Blues’ favour is a realistic possibility.