Manchester United hero Rio Ferdinand admits he might be following his heart rather than his head when predicting what will happen during the Manchester derby on Sunday afternoon (2pm).
After picking up their fourth Premier League title in five seasons, Manchester City remain unbeaten in their latest title defence and are heavy favourites going into the Etihad Stadium showdown. However, their neighbours have gone from strength to strength following a rocky start to the Erik ten Hag era.
Since slipping to early-season defeats against Brighton and Brentford - which left United rock bottom without a single point after two games - Ten Hag's men have picked up four straight Premier League wins. That run has propelled United up to fifth place and has restored hope at Old Trafford, but can they earn the bragging rights on Sunday afternoon?
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Speaking on his FIVE podcast, Ferdinand said: "That's going to be a big one. Do I fancy United to win it?
"I think score draw I'm going to go for. Maybe that's my heart over my head, but I'm going to go score draw."
Ferdinand added: "I used to love playing in the derby. It was a tough, tough game, but I used to love that and after these internationals I'm sure people will be chomping at the bit to get back in."
After finishing in sixth place last season, United appointed Ten Hag as their manager and he made six signings during his first window in charge. Tyrell Malacia, Christian Eriksen and Lisandro Martine have already become mainstays in the starting XI, with Casemiro, Antony and back-up goalkeeper Martin Dubravka also arriving at the club.
City, meanwhile, freshened up their title-winning squad as Erling Haaland continues to take the Premier League by storm, scoring 11 goals in his first seven games in the competition.
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