Manchester derby: Staff Picks

theScore’s footy staff peer into their crystal balls and make predictions for Sunday's Manchester derby, which pits United against City for the 170th time.

Armen Bedakian: It has been a very strange start to the Premier League this season: West Ham, Leicester City and Crystal Palace are competing for Champions League spots while Chelsea, Liverpool and Swansea City sit mid-table. As such, the idea that one team can top the table throughout the entire campaign as Manchester City has done so far isn't just unlikely - it's borderline foolish. Therein lies the heart of this - Manchester United will leapfrog City with a derby-day win. But not just any derby-day win. No, this one has the makings of a classic, and since there's plenty of cynicism in the world already, why not hope for a little bit of excitement, instead?

Score: Manchester United 5, Manchester City 1

Carlo Campo: This isn't just another Manchester derby. A lot is riding on the 170th edition of the fixture. A win for Manchester City would mark its 50th win in the derby, while a victory for Manchester United would arguably be the most significant result since Sir Alex Ferguson departed the club. In an ideal universe, my compatriot Antonio Valencia would score a hat trick to earn all three points for United. However, it is, perhaps, more realistic to predict that the Red Devils will earn a 3-0 courtesy of other players.

Score: Manchester United 3, Manchester City 0

Michael J. Chandler: Since NASA has ruled out the probability of a potential meteorite strike Sunday, let's cross that possibility off the list and instead focus on the likelihood of a landslide. Black Chew Head in Saddleworth, Oldham near Manchester - the highest point within reach of the city - peaks at 1,778 ft. If the earth's axis were to swing dramatically, coupled with torrential downfalls in a city mythically known as England's rainiest, enough land could be displaced to cancel Sunday's installment of the north London derby, but that's a big ask. In all seriousness, depending on what version of United shows up Sunday, this match could either end 1-1 in favour of the Red Devils, or 1-1 for Manuel Pellegrini's lot.

Score: Manchester United 1, Manchester City 1

Anthony Lopopolo: I'd like to think there's a great match ahead of us. Both Manchester clubs boast several threats in attack. Anthony Martial and Kevin De Bruyne are hot. We should see some goals. But there's a sinking feeling that City, with all of its injuries, could head to Old Trafford with a point in mind. It's understandable - Sergio Aguero and David Silva remain out - and Manuel Pellegrini would not be the first manager to go and play a typical away game.

Score: Manchester United 2, Manchester City 2

Gordon Brunt: The stakes are at a two-year high as the Manchester derby features the potential of either side claiming top spot of the league with a victory by the time the final whistle is blows. The success both United and City have had thus far suggests fans are in for a treat, with the anticipation of witnessing an attractive brand of football and plenty of end-to-end action. Manchester City, however, despite injury blows to key contributors, will likely come away with three points and send the Old Trafford support home with a bitter taste in their mouths.

Score: Manchester United 1, Manchester City 3

Daniel Rouse: The fear is a bore draw. A point away at Old Trafford would be a commendable result for City, and a tie against the title favourite would be a decent scoreline for United, too. I'm not convinced by the home side as a title contender. Everton away last week should've been a challenge, but the Toffees defence rolled over. The only other real test in the league this term? A stuffing from Arsenal. City is the better side, but I think this will be a case of each team being too scared to lose.

Score: Manchester United 1, Manchester City 1