‘Whoever loses this game will be out of the race for the top four’ – Paul Merson predicts Man City v Man United

Former Arsenal star midfielder Paul Merson has revealed his prediction for the Manchester derby.

Merson has stated that whoever loses tonight’s encounter will be out of the race for a top four finish.

Man City are currently in forth spot with 64 points after 32 games. Meanwhile Man United sit in fifth place, one point behind with 63 points.

A win for the Red Devils will see them leap frog their rivals into a top-four place.

Merson went onto say that he believes the game will end in a score draw.

“Fair play to Manchester United, they are rolling along at the moment,” Paul Merson told SkySports.

“Game after game they pick up crucial wins. I watched them against Anderlecht and I thought the Belgium side were well on top in the first half, but United just find a way to win.

“They dig in, stay in the game and build from there. Going to Burnley is not easy but they put a performance in and won again.

“This is a big, big game. Whoever loses this game will be out of the race for the top four. This is winner takes all and it’s as simple as that.

“With this game, I’m trying to think about which team can stop the other but in truth I can’t see either side blunting the other.

“I don’t think City will be able to live with Rashford’s pace and then you look at the other side and with Sergio Aguero, Kevin De Bruyne, Leroy Sane and Raheem Sterling in the side, they will always score goals.

“With both teams needing all three points, I see this being a gung-ho encounter with plenty of goals.”

Both sides go onto today’s clash missing key names. Man United boss Jose Mourinho will be unable to call upon Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The former Sweden international has been sidelined for the remainder of the season with a knee injury.

Meanwhile, David Silva and Kun Aguero are major doubts for Man City. Ilkay Gundogan will also miss the Manchester Derby due to a knee injury.