With the destiny of the title in the hands of Carlo Ancelotti’s Chelsea, United travel to derby rivals Man City on Saturday noon hoping to send out a message that they are still the number one team in Manchester. However they must win the game if they are to stand any chance of overhauling Chelsea at the top.
United got the better of City earlier in the season after a last gasp Michael Owen winner snatched all three points for the Champions in a breathtaking 4 – 3 encounter. They also managed to scrape past City in the Carling Cup semi Final after a 4 – 3 aggregate win. However, they did lose the first leg at Eastland’s and United will be hoping they don’t repeat that feat on Saturday.
City are flying at the moment, spear headed by the goals of Carlos Tevez. The little Argentinean has scored 28 goals this season with 22 coming in the league. Tevez, who has recently been nominated for the PFA Player of the year award, failed to live up to Sir Alex Ferguson’s high expectations, but is certainly proving his worth at Manchester City. He has scored four goals in as many matches against United in all competitions and the Champions will have to be on their guard.
The pace of City’s front men is frightening. Craig Bellamy on one flank and the young talent of Adam Johnson on the other. Bellamy caused young Rafael problems in the Carling Cup, but ten days ago, before his sending off, the Brazilian proved what he can do silencing one of the best players in the world in Frank Ribery. That pacy battle will be a tasty one to watch.
Wayne Rooney will hope to return from his troublesome ankle injury to help revitalise United’s troubles. Sir Alex Ferguson has seen his team’s dream of a treble smashed in a four-match run which has seen them crash out of Europe and lose top spot in the Premier League.
Ryan Giggs and Rio Ferdinand are doubts ahead of the game with hamstring and groin injuries respectively. However, Owen Hargreaves should be in the squad in hope of making his prolonged first team return.
Manchester City left back Wayne Bridge could make his comeback after a five match absence following his hernia operation. Stephen Ireland and Patrick Viera also hope to play after recovering from injuries, while the versatile Pablo Zabaleta is free to play after suspension.
City have hopes of a fourth place finish and are on a three-match winning streak scoring 14 goals in the process. On the other hand United must keep the pressure on Chelsea before the leaders take the tricky trip to White Hart Lane to take on the Gunners’ conquers Spurs.
If Saturdays’ game lives up to its previous expectations we are in for a treat. City vs United is one of the fiercest rivalries in world football. A win is crucial for both teams and with so much attacking talent on show, we are sure to be in for another special encounter.
My Prediction: City 2 2 United
I agree totally; usually when so much is at a stake in these big matches, it usually finished a draw. Form seems to go out the window when these two teams meet; but city have been playing beautiful football the past month, and being at Eastlands, i reckon theyll clinch it 2-1