Manchester United v Manchester City - Match Preview

On Monday night, expect most of England and a lot of the world to freeze and watch a clash between the current English champions and the champions elect, a bout between Manchester United and Manchester City. The last time Manchester City visited Old Trafford, they came and destroyed the Red Devils and all their fans. Their neighbours condemned United to one of their biggest home losses in history and the 6-1 thumping eventually proved crucial as the Reds lost the title on goal difference.

Since then, a lot has changed. Buoyed by the arrival of Van Persie and Kagawa, United have gone from strength to strength. While they were making a habit of comeback wins in the first half of the season, they have improved and are churning out the traditional cagey 1-0 wins they are famous for. Bit by bit, United have now built an impregnable lead of 15 points at the summit of the table. City, meanwhile, have slipped far too often for their liking. With the yearly ritual of losing Yaya Toure making them seem toothless, even the presence of the towering midfielder has not helped. On-field and off-field controversy has been an integral part of the club. The sale of Balotelli, the unstable form of Dzeko and the under performing Aguero have left too much weight on Tevez’s shoulders. It seems that City have forgotten winning ways. Tevez, of course, is a hated man at the Stretford End and it would be interesting to see how he handles the boos.

When the Blues visit for the 165th Manchester Derby, every Manchester United fan would be looking for revenge. With City performing impressively against Newcastle and gaining back some of the swagger they showed through last season, it would not be easy. Although, after the 3-2 win at the Eastlands earlier in the season, the men in red would be quietly confident.

Tactically speaking, United must not sit back too deep like they did last year on both the occasions. Sitting back in itself is not criminal but over-cautiousness cost them both matches, and eventually the title. City do have a lot of pace and skill, and United may have to defend more than it can attack. All season, United have been excellent on the counter-attack and must exploit the over-attacking style of the City full-backs. Also, I expect Jones to deployed as a man marker for Silva and Toure when he forays forward.

City would come out to earn some self-respect and pride. A win against the local rivals would certainly bode well for Mancini. They must not, of course, over-attack and it would be wise for them to play with caution. They could also do with more solidity in central midfield. With Barry’s sudden dip in form, all too often we see Yaya Toure waging a lone battle in midfield. A midfield duo of Milner and Toure could control Rooney and Co. Mancini may even be tempted to throw in a wildcard in the form of Scott Sinclair to protect his attackers and mark Rooney or Van Persie. A ploy City may resort to is balls over the top to Aguero. United has slow centre backs and Aguero, we all know, can be magical when on song.

Probable Lineups

Manchester United 4-2-3-1

De Gea, Rafael, Vidic, Ferdinand, Evra; Jones, Carrick; Valencia, Kagawa, Rooney; Van Persie

Manchester City 4-2-3-1

Hart, Zabaleta, Kompany, Nastasic, Clichy; Toure, Milner; Nasri, Silva, Tevez; Aguero

Prediction- 3-1

Players to watch out for

Wayne Rooney - He simply loves derby day. Everyone remembers his mind-boggling bicycle kick. He also got a brace at the Eastlands. He has become an expert at playing between the lines and I would expect him to continue linking up well with Van Persie. Also, with persistent transfer rumors and questions on his ability, Rooney would have a chance to answer with his game.

Yaya Toure - The midfield metronome, for me, is the biggest hurdle between United and victory. He has a Viera like aura to him and plays in a similar fashion too. If he is given a chance to dominate the game, United will be in trouble. He is strong going forward, assured in possession and shoots brilliantly. They key to defeating City may be in neutralizing Toure.