"Both teams have been really bad" - Chris Sutton makes prediction for Manchester City vs Manchester United

Former Chelsea forward Chris Sutton has predicted the outcome of the derby match between Manchester United and Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday, December 15. The Englishman picked the Cityzens to win and give manager Pep Guardiola a 'rejuvenation' before the second half of the 2024-25 season.

With seven losses in their last 10 games across competitions, City are on their worst run of form in the Guardiola era at the club. On the other hand, United have had a topsy-turvy campaign. Their inconsistent and shoddy performances led to the dismissal of Erik ten Hag and the subsequent appointment of Ruben Amorim.

Despite the teams entering the game in terrible shape, Sutton picked Manchester City to win the game comfortably at the Etihad. He wrote in his column on BBC:

"The wheels have really come off at Manchester City now - who saw that coming? City just cannot keep a clean sheet - they have managed one in their past 10 games - and now their manager Pep Guardiola is talking about being tired."

"Meanwhile, at Manchester United, new manager Ruben Amorim is barely through the door and the club's owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, is telling everyone they are 'mediocre'. Basically, both teams have been really bad, so what on earth do I go for here?"

"In the recent past I have always gone with City in Manchester derbies and, while Amorim beat them with Sporting (4-1 in the UEFA Champions League), you have to remember City could have been a few goals up by half-time in that game. So, I am going to go with City to win at home (3-1) and maybe rejuvenate Pep before Christmas," Sutton concluded.

City currently sit fourth in the league standings (eight wins, three draws, four losses), while United are in 13th place (five wins, four draws, six losses).

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"Does he have the energy?" - Chris Sutton makes claim about Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola ahead of Manchester United clash

Pundit Chris Sutton has questioned Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola's eagerness to help his side overcome their downturn in form.

Ahead of the all-important clash against Manchester United, Sutton claimed that the Spaniard's statements could be a major cause of concern for his side. In his column on BBC, the former English striker wrote:

"Their (City) manager Pep Guardiola is talking about being tired. I know it was in the context of him not having enough energy to go to another club and starting again there, but it must have sent a message to his current players too."

"You never know with Pep, and he may have just been being sarcastic, but if he really is tired then does he have the energy required to turn City around? That would be a worry for City, with the run they are on," Sutton added.

Manchester City have won just one of their last 10 games across competitions while Manchester United lost their last two league games.