Manchester United legend Roy Keane believes that Manchester City are strong favourites to win the derby this weekend.

The Red Devils suffered a major setback when they lost 2-1 at home to Fulham last Saturday and Keane says if they don’t tighten up defensively, they could be put to the sword by Pep Guardiola’s side:

“You’d have to fancy City and United had a poor result last weekend. Recently United have been very easy to play against.”

“If United keep giving up the sort of chances they have in the last month or two then City will punish them. Hopefully, a good Manchester United will show up and put in a good performance but they’ll certainly be up against it.”

City can’t afford to drop points

With Liverpool playing a day before against Nottingham Forest, and Arsenal expected to get a victory when they face bottom-of-the-table Sheffield United on Monday night, Guardiola’s men need to keep the pressure on their title rivals.

While the Cityzens haven’t lost at the Etihad this season, they have drawn 4 times, and just a point against United will not be good enough with it being so tight at the top of the league.

Derbies can throw up surprises

With City being in great form, having put 6 past Luton Town in the FA Cup, Keane is right to say that the reigning champions will be favourites to win the derby.

Considering their opponents have not been performing well, it would be a surprise if City don’t came out on top. It is hard to see United keeping a clean sheet, considering their defence has been very poor.

However, it must be said that the Red Devils have come to the Etihad as underdogs before and won. To keep their title challenge on track, though, City need to secure a win on Sunday.