Manchester derby: How will the teams line-up?

Manchester United

Manchester United look to draw first blood

Contrary to City, United had a quiet summer with the only major deal being a Marouane Fellaini signing for £27.5 million hours before the deadline. But that signing may turn out to be one of the best ever made by Manchester United.

Starting from the back, the goalkeeping spot is assured for David de Gea, who is yet to make his mark this season.

The defense is where Moyes must play his money. Rio Ferdinand has played every game this season and starting five days ago against Bayer Leverkusen doesn’t help his cause. He looked terribly off-colour in the Champions League and both the goals that United conceded were a result of his mistake.

Now that Smalling has returned from injury and played very well in the Champions League, he should replace Ferdinand in the line-up. Alongside him, Nemanja Vidic is sure to start. He has looked extremely comfortable this season and has almost regained his old form. The captain would be up against Dzeko and Aguero and must make sure he doesn’t lose out.

At right-back, since Rafael and Jones are injured, it would be a battle between Fabio and Valencia. Valencia should get the nod for his defensive stability over Fabio. At left back, Evra is assured of a berth and looks like he is back on track this season.

Coming to the midfield, Carrick selects himself and is probably the first name on the team sheet. His contribution is now being recognized and he should be able to continue it. He will be the man to carry United in the game. He should be the orchestrator in the middle of midfield.

Alongside him, Maraoune Fellaini is likely to start ahead of Tom Cleverly. As good a player Cleverly is, Fellaini’s defensive abilities and the capability to impose himself in the game elevate him. He will be the man to combat Yaya Toure. As he showed in the Champions League, he is capable of playing the midfield enforcer by sitting deep behind in front of the defense. That is where Yaya Toure operates and Fellaini should match him for United to have a say in the game.

Next up, the wingers, that’s a tough choice. Even though Manchester United have Wayne Rooney playing the No.10 role, they need a proper Trequartista to unlock the opposition defense and to match David Silva. This must get Kagawa into the starting XI playing on the left wing. Earlier in the week, he did play well from the left wing against Bayer Leverkusen.

After being rested for the last match, Danny Welbeck should make the right wing against City. He is someone who has a high work-rate and would track back to mark David Silva. He also is capable of taking on his man and beating him. Doing that against Kolarov, probably City’s weakest link in defense, should only make it easy for Welbeck.

The attack is, unquestionably, the duo of Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie. Wayne should start from the hole with Robin van Persie at the tip of the triangle. Wayne Rooney has become better ever since the Chelsea game and has scored three goals in his last two games. He is full of confidence and City should have a tough time dealing with him. And Robin Van Persie, there is no need for one to say anything. The very name itself sparks fear in the minds of opponent. And City would never forget him after that free-kick, would they?

More or less the same, United too would be expected to line up in 4-2-3-1.

Manchester United line-up: David de Gea; Antonio Valencia, Chris Smalling, Nemanja Vidic, Patrice Evra; Michael Carrick, Maraoune Fellaini; Shinji Kagawa, Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck; Robin van Persie

Subs: Anders Lindegaard, Rio Ferdinand, Johnny Evans, Tom Cleverly, Ashley Young, Javier Hernandez, Anderson

Gear up, you are going to watch one of the most exciting matches in the world of football.