Former Man Utd defender Patrice Evra has made predictions ahead of the Manchester, and North London derby matches this weekend.
Patrice Evra talks during his role as a pundit© PA Images
The Red Devils could close the gap on second-placed Man City to just one point if they beat Pep Guardiola’s men. Premier League leaders Arsenal will be looking to increase their gap over City against Tottenham in the North London derby.
Erik ten Hag has got Man Utd looking like a much better team than last season, with the signings of Christian Eriksen, Casemiro, and Lisandro Martinez making the spine of their team look much more vital.
And Evra thinks Man Utd has the players to “hurt” Man City when the two sides clash at lunchtime tomorrow.
Evra told The Metro: “We can hurt City, I will never disrespect City, but I think this one is a 50/50 game. Sometimes though, when City starts well and develops their football in the game, you can tell it will be a long day.
“City is a strong side, and it’s a big test for us. It’s tough to predict; Mahrez is on fire for City at the moment. It’s a derby, so I’m not expecting a big score.
“I can see it is 2-1 to United, but equally, it wouldn’t be surprising to see City win; it could go either way. It can’t be like the last match; they must learn from it. Prediction 2-1.”
Arsenal is currently five points clear at the top of the Premier League table, and the Gunners will be looking to avenge their 3-0 defeat to Tottenham in the exact match last season.
Evra added: “I remember when Arsenal was going for the top four, they got beat by Newcastle, and after that, they had a chance to still get there when they played Tottenham.
“It was a fantastic game, and they started so well, but they conceded that penalty, which wasn’t a penalty, and after that, I saw the Arsenal players giving up. I don’t think this is the same side at all now; this is a side that believes they will win the title.
“If I were Arteta, I’d tell my side to believe they are champions. You have to think that you are going to win the league. Against Tottenham, their enemies, they have to think like that.
“They should beat Tottenham; I don’t see why they can’t win. It’s a derby; anything can happen, the wrong decision and injustice, but I just don’t know why they can’t win. They must be careful of Tottenham because Conte and the players are really hurt.
“It’s going to be a big game, but when you look at what’s going on with both sides, you have to give credit to Arsenal. They have to win every game if they want to win the title, and they can.
“I believe Arsenal can win the title; when I see their fans, they are all scared and don’t want me to say it, but the way they are playing, there’s isn’t another team that’s playing better football and being dominant right now. They aren’t afraid, and they aren’t kids anymore. Prediction 1-3.”