Allen Hamilton
What: English Premier League
Who: Manchester United vs Manchester City
When: Saturday 23rd October, at 13:30 UK Time
Where: Old Trafford, Manchester, England
Keeping Noisy Neighbours Quiet
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has, more than once, dismissed Manchester City as "noisy neighbours". The truth of the matter though is that City are neighbours who won the lottery. It might take them some time to come to terms with the cash in their bank account, but once they do, their spending power can only be gasped at. United are doing well to keep City quiet, but will have to keep raising their game as the petrodollars continue to be lavished by Roberto Mancini.
Ferguson will be concerned with the apparent sloppiness of some of his side’s defensive play of late and the return of Rio Ferdinand looks a timely one. United gave an indication as to the former Leeds defender’s importance when leaving him at home for their midweek Champions League clash in Romania, all so Ferdinand can face City in tip-top shape.
United are certainly taking nothing for granted. "I think City are doing fantastically well", said Ferguson. "If they hadn’t thrown away a two-goal lead at Fulham they’d have a 100% record. It could be quite a game on Sunday and I’m looking forward to it."
The derby will also offer a glimpse of the future. United have rejuvenated their squad and the likes of Phil Jones, Ashley Young, Javier Hernandez and David de Gea could be leading the Red Devils’ fightback against City for the next five to ten years. In this battle, while winning is important, sending a message is equally so. United must show they are ready to defend their crown.
Edging Closer to a Giant
When Chelsea received bundles of oil-stained Russian rubles, the London side set about dethroning United from the top of the English tree. Although a challenge, and one that Chelsea succeeded in for periods, the contest was never personal. A rivalry between United and the Blues was always forced, always of necessity and never akin to facing Liverpool or their sky blue neighbours.
Now the colour of the challenge has changed. Now it is personal. As City picked up last season’s FA Cup to erase 35 years of hurt, the eyes of the club’s elite had already wandered well past Wembley, to the Premier League and the Champions League. In the latter City have struggled, Roberto Mancini appearing unable to cast off the shackles which bound him in the competition as Inter coach. Yet at home, matters are different; City are contenders.
Such is the array of talent at the club that match-winners lie all across the pitch. Sergio Aguero is capable of tearing any side apart; but it is David Silva, Yaya Toure and Samir Nasri who could hold the key. Dominate the midfield and United struggle to play. Attack quickly in the transitions of play and expose what has been a less than confident United backline.
City though, would be happy with a point, despite wanting to win, admits Mancini. "We have improved a lot in the last year but we have to continue to work", said the Italian. "I think that if we leave Old Trafford with a point that is good for us but that’s not our mentality and it’s the same for United."
Recent form
Manchester United:
Manchester United 2-0 Norwich City (01/10; Premier League)
Liverpool 1-1 Manchester United (15/10; Premier League)
Otelul Galati 0-2 Manchester United (18/10; Champions League)
Manchester City:
Blackburn Rovers 0-4 Manchester City (01/10; Premier League)
Manchester City 4-1 Aston Villa (15/01; Premier League)
Manchester City 2-1 Villarreal (18/10; Champions League)
Key absences
Manchester United: Tom Cleverley; Rafael da Silva
Manchester City: Owen Hargreaves (doubt)
Players to watch
Manchester United – Rio Ferdinand: Manchester City have been potent in front of goal this season, even scoring more so far in the Premier League than Manchester United. That is almost unheard of, as Ferguson’s side delight in finding the back of the net for fun, and the side’s 8-2 win over Arsenal must be considered, making the statistic even worse. And so, in the heat of battle, it will fall to the experienced Ferdinand to steady the United backline. He must be raring to go.
Manchester City – Yaya Toure: The Ivorian has done more than most to drag City into the upper echelons of the game. A vital goal in last season’s FA Cup semi-final led to a 1-0 win over United, while Toure also backed it up with the winning goal over Stoke City in the final itself. An all-action midfielder capable of dangerous bursting runs, he is sure to be at the centre of the battle at Old Trafford.
Match Predicition
Manchester United start this as favourites, but there are so many difference-makers in the respective sides that it is difficult to point with certainty to a winner. Ferguson will want his side to instantly put City on the back foot and, should the Red Devils score an early goal, a relatively comfortable win awaits. City however are sure to defend doggedly. Manchester United 2-0 Manchester City.
Do you fancy a bet on this Premier League clash between Manchester United and Manchester City? Visit OLBG and check out the best prices, tips and other bettors’ opinion to help you place a winning bet.
