Manchester Derby: Three Points Or Bragging Rights?

Saturday will once again host another sentilating encounter in English soccer, with one of the most highly awaited derbies. The rivalry between City and United is more intense than ever since City's latest take-over.

With top quality players to equal United, City are not just playing for pride, as they chase fourth position an a place in the Champions League.

United on the other hand need a victory to keep pressure on Chelsea who lead the log with a four point advantage.

Chelsea play Spurs in the "London-Derby" which could be a hard faught game, after Spurs beat Arsenal in mid-week.

United who will have the services of Wayne Rooney who has been passed fit after suffereing ligament damage to his ankle will look to bounce back and lead the attack.

City have the likes of Carlos Tevez, former United man who left the club last season, Carlos has been in sublime scoring form this season an has found the net on many occasions.

With United needing a victory so desperatley this encounter could be the most important in the last four games.

United are hoping for a fourth consecutive title and with few matches left, Chelsea look in a commanding position to take it to the end.

Sir Alex is well aware of the threat that City pose, with recent aquisition City now have a formidable line-up.

Let's preview a few players who could have an impact:

Carlos Tevez

22 Goals (Premier League), The Argentinian is just four goals behind Rooney an has been getting better and better as the season progresses. The former West Ham and United boy will look to ensure a fourth place finish as he will want to once again play in the Champions League. His continuous fight and determination will see him as a major threat, his a worker and doesn't give-up that easily.

Craig Bellamy

His netted nine goals this season, but his work rate is key to City's success. In previous encounters with United, Bellamy has been amongst the major problems United have faced. If he continues with his excellent performance he will trouble Gary Neville and Rio.

Emmanuel Adebayor

The Former Togo International who retired from International football just a few days ago, will now look to apply all his attention to club football. Adebayor has enjoyed his first season at City and has scored 13 times in the league. Tall, big built Adebayor will ensure a presence in the box and will give Rio and Vidic a hard time.

Wayne Bridge, Micah Richards

The two defenders both enjoy running down the flanks in attacking positions, they will be a handful, but with United's wide man been the pacey Nani and Antonio they will look to provide sufficient cover and try to cut of any supply to Wayne Rooney.

Wayne Rooney

Well, after the past couple months, his performance speaks for itself...As the hopes of all English fans rest on his shoulders, the former Everton striker has been passed fit and ready to play against there most firece rivals. Rooney has been able to find the net multiple times but his recent heading ability is what has found defenders stunned. To mark him is a major problem because he finds ways to sneak in and find the killer touch. An unfit Rooney proved to be problematic againgst Bayern as his presence alone took the attention off other players. In this match, he will look to provide a more on-the-ball role.

Antonio Valencia, Nani

These wingers have been the best in the business in the past couple games, even when United lost or drew, they work-rate has been a key factor. With a fully fit Wayne Rooney, these wide men can supply those crosses which Rooney will look to guide towards goal. The speed of Valencia has proved a large problem for many teams and his been the best signing of the league by far. Nani has grown into a much better player, quick feet and runs down the left has made him a regular starter.

Patrice Evra

The Frenchman has had another impressive season, and with the World Cup almost here, he will look to continue his run of form. Besides his defensive duties, Evra has great attacking instinct and ability. He often provides good support to the frontmen.

Nemanja Vidic

Serbian center back, has leaped into the spot-light as one of the best. With recent speculation regarding interest from Spain. Vidic is one of the hardest defenders in the league. His presence and "no-nonsense" attitude has made strikers fearful of him. But tommorrow will be a tough one, Vida will have to be on his game as former team mate, Carlos Tevez knows all about him. The battle at the back will be an ineteresting one to keep an eye on.

At the end of the day, football is a team sport, effort is required from all eleven players, and individual performances good or bad will affect the team. But big players need to stand up and be counted. 

After four disappointing games in succession, United will look to overcome City atleast for the fans. Keeping in mind that Chelsea could slip up against Spurs, and also having Liverpool to play, the road path to the title might still be there.