Man United vs Man City: The English El-Clasico

The title may well be going to the red side of Manchester, but a derby between City and United have far transcended the borders of title contention. The battle is now on for every match that they play, for this rivalry has grown into a sort of derby cup match which needs no trophy to prove it.

FORM-WISE

When will we see this again?

While Manchester United have been on a winning run in the league, Man City have had a hard time replicating the number of goals that they scored last season. Having said that, the last time that these two teams met, Van Persie was a major deciding factor for United. This time around, United host City with a Van Persie who is facing a bit of a goal-drought at the moment. This could very well be a key factor in the equation. Will he play with continual frustration or would he rise above that to play more for his team, placing the derby above his own ambitions.

TEAM NEWS

There are no new injury news as of now and Rooney is expected to play in this match, having been out last week with a groin injury. The only concern for Ferguson would be doubts over the availability of Vidic and Evans due to injury. City will miss the services of Jack Rodwell, Richards and Maicon as expected.

PROBABLE LINE-UPS

MAN UNITED (4-4-1-1):

De Gea; Evra, Smalling, Ferdinand, Rafael; Giggs, Cleverly, Carrick, Welbeck; Rooney; Van Persie

MAN CITY (4-2-3-1):

Hart; Clichy, Kompany, Nastasic, Zabaleta; Barry, Garcia; Tevez, Toure, Silva; Aguero

TACTICS

There really isn’t much that has not been mentioned before, regarding tactics in the match preview for last time.

Mr. Dependable

One big point that Mancini would have to consider is the positioning of Yaya Toure. Past experiences have already proved his effectiveness against United in both the attacking as well as the defensive department. This season, City have conceded the same number of goals as last season but they have suffered due to the lack of effectiveness in the attacking third. So, logically, even at the cost of a few holes in the defence, Yaya Toure should be moved up into the CAM position. But that’s just a simple analysis as many other non-apparent factors would have to be taken into consideration when Mancini makes his team.

PREDICTION

A match such as this either ends up as a drab 1-1 affair or simply erupts into a very closely fought encounter. United were outplayed in the midfield by Chelsea in FA Cup; City have the players who can boss the midfield. If City can dominate that part of the pitch properly, then the match would tilt in their favour. That won’t be as easy as it sounds if Carrick has anything to say about that – it will ultimately be up to him to be that steady influence which he has been this season for Man United.

K.O. Time: 00.30 AM (IST)