Paul Merson tips Anthony Elanga to start Manchester derby

Former Arsenal star turned pundit Paul Merson has tipped Anthony Elanga to start over Antony in the Manchester derby this weekend. The young Swede’s work rate could push him into contention for the big game.

Elanga broke into the team last season and got a lot of game time under Ralf Rangnick, while several other attacking players failed to perform. He hasn’t been giving the same starring role this season, but Erik ten Hag is bound to give him opportunities to impress throughout the season.

Last season, Elanga featured 27 times for United, scoring three goals and providing two assists. The stats don’t do his performances any justice and he is a player I can see being trusted in big games due to the energy he brings to the side.

Read more: Rashford misses out: predicted Man United line-up vs Man City

Writing his column for Sportskeeda, Merson states that City’s high-flying full-backs will put pressure on United’s wingers to track back, and he feels Antony will be the one dropped.

“It’s going to be a hard game for Man United’s front line,” Merson wrote. “I’m not sure if Ten Hag will play Antony from the start – there will be a lot of tracking back with Joao Cancelo bombing forward.

“Manchester City will look to create overloads in the final third, and I wouldn’t be shocked if Elanga plays just to track Cancelo.”

I’m not sure that I agree with Merson picking Antony as the player to get dropped when it could be easily Cristiano Ronaldo. Antony is one of the players who actually gets Ten Hag’s system.

Merson also thinks City will win 3-1.

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