United take on Man City today in what is the biggest Manchester Derby in recent times. The fixtures against City are now seen as the biggest games of the season with City keen to announce their arrival as one of English football’s biggest forces and United looking to maintain their position of dominance over their neighbours. The Derby has provided many talking points over the last two seasons, with last years four meetings in particular providing drama by the bucket load.
Rafael squares up to Judas
Neutrals will be hoping for more excitement than was served up at Eastlands before Christmas as both teams played out a 0-0 draw with City being accused of adopting a negative approach. In all likelihood Mancini will set up his men with the primary aim again, to avoid defeat. An early goal for United would force city to come out and play and could lead to a classic encounter, similar to last season’s 4-3 win at Old Trafford.
Sir Alex Ferguson’s main concern is at the back where Rio Ferdinand misses out again having pulled up with a calf strain in the warm-up at Molineaux last Saturday. Chris Smalling will come in to partner Nemanja Vidic at the back as Jonny Evans is also out injured. The absence of Rio is definitely a blow to United as when Ferdinand and Vidic have started together United have looked rock solid at the back.
In the middle of the park Sir Alex is likely to play Nani and Giggs out wide and it is anyone’s guess as to what combination he will pick from Fletcher, Scholes, Anderson and Carrick. Up front we can expect to see Rooney and Berba paired together especially as Chicharito is just back from a long haul trip on international duty with Mexico. Hernandez is likely to start on the bench but don’t be surprised if, as is often the case, he comes on to have a massive influence on the game.
City will sit back from the start and hopefully we will see Sir Alex release the shackles and attack the Citizens from the off. This is a massive game for both sides. If United win it could provide the impetus to kick on for the rest of the campaign and will finish off any chances City have of a shot at the title. A win for the blues however will see them right back in the race.
Prediction: 1-0 United
Submitted by Glory Glory Man Utd
