Former Arsenal forward Paul Merson has backed Manchester City to beat Manchester United in Sunday's Manchester derby at the Etihad Stadium.

United will enter the match off the back of three straight wins in all competitions, the last of which was a morale-boosting 2-1 success over Juventus in the Champions League on Wednesday night.

City have won nine and drawn two of their 11 Premier League matches this season to top the table, however, and Merson has tipped the Citizens to emerge victorious from Sunday's affair.

"United have big problems at centre back. If United start like they did against Bournemouth, then the game will be over inside 15 minutes," Merson told Sky Sports News.

"It wouldn't surprise me if City win this 5-0, but this is Jose Mourinho, who always turns up in the big games. He'll have a plan to keep United in the game. City will be nervous despite United being the bigger club. The pressure is on City as they are expected to win. I think they will."

United came from two goals behind to win 3-2 in the corresponding game at the Etihad last term.