Rivaldo's prediction for Man City vs Man Utd - where he expects 'a lot of headaches'
Pep Guardiola and Erik ten Hag will go head-to-head for their first ever Premier League clash on Sunday as champions Man City welcome local rivals Man Utd at the Etihad
World Cup legend Rivaldo has backed Manchester City to cause rivals Manchester United “a lot of headaches” during their Premier League derby clash on Sunday.
The reigning champions will be relishing the challenge of their first Manchester Derby of the 2022/23 campaign. But Pep Guardiola’s side are expected to face a tougher test than last season, where they picked up six points from their rivals with an aggregate score of 6-1 across both matches.
Erik ten Hag’s Red Devils overcame a sticky start to the season and have now won four league games on the trot. But legendary Brazil and Barcelona striker Rivaldo still tips City to impose themselves at the Etihad and come away with all three points.
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He told Betfair: “Manchester City will host Manchester United this Sunday in a derby that has seen the dominant side change in recent years, with Pep Guardiola's side again coming into this one as the clear favourites.
“The Citizens are much more in tune with their style of play while the Red Devils - with new manager Erik ten Hag - are still looking for their best and most effective system, so I see a Manchester City win here with the in-form Erling Haaland giving the visitors' defence a lot of headaches.”
How many goals will Erling Haaland score against Man Utd? Let us know in the comments section.
Goal machine Haaland has been integral to City’s dominant form so far this season. The Norwegian sensation has made light work of Premier League defenders until now, racing towards the Golden Boot prize with 11 goals in just seven appearances.
That has enabled City to remain within four points of league leaders Arsenal, who have also enjoyed a stellar start under Guardiola’s old assistant Mikel Arteta. And with Pep’s side still unbeaten in the league, the Spaniard is relishing the passion of derby day.
He said ahead of the clash: "The way we are playing, they increase the rhythm in many aspects. You have to challenge the duels, avoid playing quick in a smart way and try to punish them in the way we can do.
"My experience of United derbies always have been so calm, go to the stadium Old Trafford or here the fans boo, 'who you are, who you are'. No, sorry, 'who are ya!'
"The rest is a football game. I love in that way, managers love England for that. The passion, the winner laughs and take the p*** out of the loser. It's part of the game, it's nice, it has to be like that but no more than that.
"We work here in this magnificent weather in Manchester perfectly. No external pressure. This is my feeling, maybe because in Spain it is completely different."
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