Red faced or Sunday blues... What can we expect in the Manchester Derby?

The Manchester derby promises to be a tightly fought affair

There is going to be a buzz in Manchester come Sunday, that is for sure! There hasn’t been a derby here in recent times where both teams weren’t pushing for the title – well, until last season’s ‘Moyes-ic’ slip for United. While Manchester United are looking for three points to break into the top four (somehow & to stay there), Manchester City want to cut Chelsea’s lead which was extended thanks to QPR on Saturday.

Pellegrini for the first time since he joined; would have plenty to worry about. It is a big day in Manchester and how he would want to be remembered for a rollicking win. If City could do a 6-1 over a Ferguson side, Louis van Gaal better be running for cover. Di Maria, Rooney and Robin van Persie have to be on their game if they are to record a win.

How does it line up?

Manchester City are coming from back to back defeats and look vulnerable if anything. They do not look like champions at the moment and there are several defensive chinks in the armor. Looking at the midweek league cup game against Newcastle United – there were plenty on display.

Don’t get all excited United fans, there isn’t much to boast at your back end too. A miserable shield or a leaky bucket is the best way to describe United’s back four (thank goodness it isn’t three). If anyone reading this chooses to argue – look up how Eden Hazard opened up the defence and came one on one with David De Gea – that would pretty much rest the case.

Man City are without Silva, probably the biggest miss of the game from their end and news is that Yaya Toure would start even though he was called off the last game with a groin issue. Frank Lampard would miss the game with a thigh strain and Nasri could feature back into the squad.

Man United would have the services of Wayne Rooney once again after suspension while Radamel Falcao and Phil Jones would not be available due to injury. Jonny Evans might be back to bolster the weak defence though.

Run in to the game

Both sides desperately want the three points. There’s no better way to put it. City have drawn one and lost two in their previous three games and United have made their worst ever start to a premier league season. Yes, it is worse than last year. 13 points off 9 games this year, while Moyes got in 14. *Snickering under his breath*. United are in 8th place and need to pick up pace if they have any chance of ending in spot for Europe next year.

What to expect

Lots of fireworks and some reports even suggest drones to be flying around the stadium. J It would be tactical battle with Pellegrini who would want to strike hard and early against United. Louis van Gaal has long forgotten the weak 3-5-2 and the free flowing 4-4-2 as a diamond is in preference.

Pellegrini would look at Toure & Aguero to get their dominating self back and with Silva injured, he could toy around with Nasri and Milner keeping Dzeko in the front.

Predictions

United lost to City 4-1 last year at the Etihad and one needs to notice that it is a completely different United side to last year. Only 4 from the last edition of this game could feature and it goes on to show how desperately Van Gaal wanted a revamp of the side. With both sides weaker on the defensive side, there are bound to be goals here and we would be gunning for a 2-2 draw. However, just to add spice to the whole derby, who wouldn’t like a late winner eh? (Another Owen-esque moment?)