Manchester United vs. Manchester City: Picking United's Starting XI to Beat City

Manchester United collapsed spectacularly this week, tying against Everton after giving away a two-goal cushion in the last 10 minutes. Four goals from each side meant that United could only manage to get a point. 

Manchester City are now only three points shy of United, and these two clubs face each other next week.  City have been unbeaten at home, winning 16 of their 17 matches. With Carlos Tevez back into the mix of things, and in spectacular form, things do look better for them. 

Don't be surprised if Manchester City stage a spectacular comeback. 

Nevertheless, I still believe that Sir Alex Ferguson has the grit and determination to take home the Premier League title.

Here's picking a Starting XI to defeat City and end their title hopes. 

Goalkeeper

David De Gea has indeed grown in stature and confidence, and he has had some great games under his belt recently. De Gea has been highly composed at all times and dealt with threats effectively.

Against Everton, he did concede four, but with Anders Lindegaard still out of the picture, De Gea represents Sir Alex's only plausible option. 

Defenders

Left-Back: Patrice Evra

For a game of such magnitude, Patrice Evra will certainly start. He will be expected to not only defend astutely but also contribute a lot to the attack. 

Everton were very lucky when Evra's diving header in the closing stages only to have it hit the post. 

Center-Backs: Jonny Evans and Rio Ferdinand

While Jonny Evans and Rio Ferdinand have indeed performed brilliantly in several games, they will have to perform much better than they did against Everton. 

Both made several errors throughout the game, unable to mark the opposition players effectively. If they lose their concentration, the likes of Sergio Agüero and Carlos Tevez will penalize them severely. 

Right-Back: Rafael

Rafael was excellent going forward against Everton, but he forgot one minor detail—that he is a defender. I was very disappointed with the Brazilian in the match against Everton, as he had been immense after coming back from injury and combined extremely well with Antonio Valencia. 

Midfielders

Central Midfielders: Michael Carrick and Paul Scholes

Despite being out-muscled in the game against Everton, the duo of Carrick and Scholes is quite solid. They will be expected to pick out immaculate passes and be effective in distribution.

Left Attacking Midfielder: Nani

When Nani is in form, he becomes simply unstoppable. Against Everton, Nani was fantastic and contributed a goal and two assists. 

United fans will be looking forward to a similar performance from the Portuguese. 

Attacking Midfielder: Antonio Valencia

Antonio Valencia did not have a good game against Everton. 

However, he has been United's best player all season, and he needs to start for such a big game. He provides a great level of width at the right flank and will be expected to contribute massively. 

Forwards

Danny Welbeck and Wayne Rooney: 

Expect Wayne Rooney and Danny Welbeck to lead the attack for United against Manchester Ctiy. Both players were fantastic against Everton; they had three goals and two assists between themselves.

Wayne Rooney was phenomenal yet again, and Welbeck impressed me greatly when he dummied a shot to make space and curled a beautiful ball into the top corner.

Substitutes

The following will be the substitutes:

Ben Amos

Fabio

Ashley Young

Tom Cleverley

Ji Sung Park

Ryan Giggs

Javier Hernandez 

What do you think of the lineup? Please leave your opinions.

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