Mark Lawrenson backs 'direct' Sheffield United to cause Man City problems and makes scoreline prediction

Writing his weekly predictions column for BBC Sport, pundit Mark Lawrenson backed the Citizens to secure a 2-0 win on their travels.

Justifying his scoreline tip, the ex-Liverpool player claimed: "Manchester City got a good win in the Champions League in France on Tuesday but Marseille were not up to much.

"This will be a bigger test. Sheffield United are still without a win in 2020-21 but they created lots of chances at Anfield in their defeat by Liverpool last time out.

"That was arguably the Blades' best performance of the season so far. I think they will be pretty direct again here, and they can cause City problems."

He concluded: "Ruben Dias has looked pretty solid in the City defence since he arrived at the end of last month, but this will be a decent test for him."

Meanwhile, Lawro's opponent for the week, 'The Rap Game UK' judge DJ target, also backed a 2-0 City win.

The last time the two sides met, back in January, the 2018/19 Premier League champions earned a narrow 1-0 win at Bramall Lane, thanks to Sergio Aguero's second-half effort.

A much-needed win for the Blades could see them move out of the relegation zone, and give them the positive momentum they need to get their season back on track. Following the City clash, United take on Chelsea before the next international break.