Manchester United vs. Manchester City: The Prediction

(Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Last week, I was right in my assertion that City would beat the arrogant Arsenal, although the manner in which City put them to the sword was unexpected.

This week offers a much sterner challenge for the unbeaten Blues in the club geographically nearest to Manchester, United.

It is a shame that Manchester City is a bit understrength at the moment. Although, the quality gap between the two clubs has been closed; the difference won't really be as clear as it could have been before.

So, can United overcome the weakened City side with the 100 percent record?

I think they can, but only if Rooney is on form.

If Rooney has a poor day (in the manner so often that Ronaldo did in Derby games) then United may well struggle to score.

But I have a sneaking suspicion that United will lose a player to a red card, and that Rooney may well be the man for the early bath.

So I am going to give two predictions: Firstly, with the full 90 minutes with Rooney on the field, United will win.

Secondly, with a below par and red-carded Rooney, City will win.

It's going to be a very interesting game in any case.

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