Mark Lawrenson is expecting to see Manchester United play out a 1-1 draw with Manchester City in Thursday’s crunch Manchester derby clash.

The Red Devils head into the game in fine form and looking to continue their impressive 23-game unbeaten run in the Premier League.

Jose Mourinho’s men were 2-0 winners over both Burnley and Chelsea in their last two games as they look for a win to lift them above Manchester City and into fourth place.

Manchester United are also through to the Europa League semi-finals as Mourinho looks to steer the Red Devils to another trophy this season.

Manchester City, meanwhile, head into the game on the back of their disappointing 2-1 loss to Arsenal in the FA Cup semi-finals on Sunday afternoon at Wembley.

Former Liverpool star Lawrenson is backing both teams to share the spoils at The Etihad on Thursday night.

Writing in his column for BBC Sport, Lawrenson said: “Psychologically, I am pretty sure City will be fine despite the disappointment of their extra-time defeat by Arsenal in the FA Cup semi-final.

“Of the two managers, there is possibly more pressure on Guardiola, if only because the top four is their only route into the Champions League.

“But captain Vincent Kompany’s return from injury has made a big difference to them defensively and they have been playing well in the Premier League, with convincing wins over Hull and Southampton in their past two games before their FA Cup exit.

“Marcus Rashford’s pace will unsettle City, although maybe not to the same extent as it did at Etihad Stadium last season, when he exposed Martin Demichelis to score the winner.

“City have plenty of potential danger-men too, of course, but I would be surprised if United’s unbeaten run ended on Thursday – with Mourinho involved it is going to be a tight game, and I am going to go for a draw.”

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Manchester United finished fifth and won the FA Cup under Louis van Gaal last season. Mourinho has already steered the Red Devils to the Community Shield and EFL Cup this season.

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