Manchester City vs. Manchester United: 6 Key Battles in the FA Cup

The last time that Manchester City and Manchester United came face-to-face on the pitch was a horror show for Sir Alex Ferguson and his Red Devils.

Roberto Mancini's Citizens stormed the Theater of Dreams, Old Trafford, and ransacked it in a merciless 6-1 pounding that made everyone take notice.

City meant business.

Since then, the Red Devils have been on a great run, but in their last two league fixtures they have lost to Blackburn Rovers and were shut out 0-3 by Newcastle United.

Manchester City have also had a three-game run that saw a draw with West Bromwich Albion and a shock loss to Sunderland, but they finished off Liverpool 3-0 this past weekend and are hungry for more.

The defending FA Cup champions will be a tough team to beat, and Sir Alex's boys have their work cut out for them.

David De Gea vs. Joe Hart

Joe Hart continues to look a phenomenal talent and could one day have the chance of being known as the best English goalkeeper in history. He is likely to rise to the occasion once again against United.

The Red Devils' young David de Gea is likewise a great talent, but he is yet to prove he is consistent enough with his quality to be a permanent starter.

Hart definitely has the upper hand in this battle.

Adam Johnson vs. Phil Jones

With Yaya Toure at the African Cup of Nations, Adam Johnson could find himself back in the lineup for City.

The youngster could provide a great on-field matchup with another up-and-coming England national team player, Phil Jones, and could be a feisty one to watch.

Nani vs. Gael Clichy

Nani and Gael Clichy clashed in the previous meeting between the two, and the former Gunner handled the Red Devil for the most part throughout the match.

It will need to be a repeat performance by Clichy to shut down Nani on the right and keep the Portuguese from creating chances.

Michael Carrick vs. David Silva

Michael Carrick could be pushed back to a defensive midfield role against City. If not, he will still most likely be the stand-in defender that has to deal with David Silva.

The Spaniard has had a career season so far and will again be the catalyst for City's offense on the attack.

Sergio Aguero vs. Rio Ferdinand

Rio Ferdinand should be fit for action against Manchester City, and the veteran will have his hands full between Sergio Aguero and whomever his partner in attack may be.

It will be a classic battle between youth and talent against age and experience.

Wayne Rooney vs. Vincent Kompany

Wayne Rooney has been off his game lately, but he could be the most real threat to City. Vincent Kompany will be his opposition.

The City captain will hope to shut down his opponent, otherwise Rooney could get back on the goal trail against his rivals.

Conclusion

Manchester City will want a chance to repeat their FA Cup victory from last season. However, Manchester United would take great pride in knocking out their noisey neighbors.

A United victory could also lessen the sting from their 1-6 defeat at home to City, and getting a win at the Etihad could partially even the score.

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