"I think it's a really difficult one to call" - Michael Owen makes score prediction for Manchester City vs Manchester United clash

Footballer-turned-pundit Michael Owen has shared his thoughts ahead of this weekend's clash between Manchester City and Manchester United. The teams will lock horns in the Manchester derby at the Etihad on Sunday, December 15.

Speaking about the clash on AceOdds, Owen highlighted that the two teams' form makes it difficult to predict an outright winner. He has thus gone for a 1-1 result, with the two teams sharing the spoils.

"I think it's probably the first time in a long time that Manchester United fans aren't absolutely petrified going into the game, believing that they might get battered 5-0," Owen said (via Manchester Evening News).

He continued:

"Manchester City are unrecognisable at the moment and I can't imagine how they can beat anyone by five at the moment, the way they're playing. It certainly is a great time to play Manchester City. They've got injuries, their lack of form, their confidence is down. It's probably one of the most finely balanced derbies.

"I know it's at the Etihad and I know Manchester City will be favorites, but I wouldn't like to put my house on any result. I could easily see Manchester United getting a result, so I think it's a really difficult one to call."

"It's probably the hardest derby in years to call, you would say Man City to come out on top but I'm not so sure this time. Anything could happen," Owen added.

The former Manchester United forward then predicted a draw in the clash, saying:

"I put 1-1 in my predictions because I can't see where Manchester City are going to get their next win from. I watched them against Crystal Palace the other day. It just feels like they're not in control of any game at the moment."

The defending league champions are undergoing their worst run of form under Pep Guardiola with just one win in their past 10 matches across competitions. They were held to a 2-2 draw by Crystal Palace in their last league match.

Manchester United, meanwhile, are still looking to find balance under new manager Ruben Amorim. The Red Devils come into the derby clash on the back of consecutive league defeats to Arsenal and Nottingham Forest.

Manchester United will look to upset Manchester City and end three-game winless run at Etihad

Manchester United will look to end a run of three consecutive league defeats at the Etihad when they lock horns with Manchester City on Sunday. The Red Devils' last away victory over their city neighbors came back in March 2021. They will fancy another win over Pep Guardiola's side who are currently undergoing a bad run of form.

While a victory over a struggling City won't send much of a message about United, it will be a huge boost as they look to climb up the league standings.

The Red Devils are 13th on the log with 19 points from 15 games, while the Cityzens are fourth with 27 points having played the same number of matches.