Today Old Trafford is expected to witness fireworks, when arch rivals Manchester United host Manchester City. There is no love lost between the two as seen from their previous encounters. This is one of the most anticipated matches, as the two sides of Manchester will lock horns to outdo each other. The meeting between the two teams led to goalless draw at Eastlands. Manchester City spearheaded by Carlos Tevez will fancy their chances of winning going into this match.
Mancity will be going into this clash after drubbing West Brom 3-0 courtesy of a treble from Tevez. Manchester United will be looking to shrug off their shock defeat to Wolves. The build up to the match is enormous as players have a jibe at each other. Manchester United are still at the top of the table with a five point lead over City, who are currently third in the league table. A win for City would ensure that they cut United’s lead to just two points. Manchester United’s defense looks wobbly in the absence of Rio Ferdinand who is injured. Chris Smalling or Johnny Evans are the weak link in United’s defense. The return of Park-Ji-Sung will boost United’s midfield to certain extent. Mancini’s defensive approach in the last meeting was severely criticized.
Manchester United’s fans will be hoping Berbatov turns up to the match wearing his shooting boots, as he has been scoring in bulk this season. The ghosts of the previous meeting at Old Trafford will haunt City, as Owen who came on as a substitute scored in the injury time to seal a victory for United. Tevez will be welcomed with boos from United’s fans but Tevez in his defense has stated that he felt he was unwanted at United. Hope diffidence on the part of players does not turn this match into a damp squib.
