Manchester City vs. Manchester United: The Ultimate Preview
The Manchester Derby rolls around Wednesday with both sides of Manchester currently in the top four. The relative success of both sides makes the game all the more intriguing, and Sir Alex Ferguson this week spoke to BBC Sport about the “incredible intensity” in recent clashes between United and City.
Both sides have positive and negative issues heading into this much anticipated tie. City recovered from some recent losses to defeat West Brom 2-0 on the weekend. However, it seems with every setback Roberto Mancini has to fend off increasing rumors of a dressing room divide.
United are the only team in the country who are undefeated in all competitions. Despite their good form the Red Devils do have some reasons for concern. Star striker Wayne Rooney is recovering both physically and emotionally in the United States, while Nani and Ryan Giggs are doubtful due to injury. In addition to that, a virus has swept United’s Carrington training ground leaving the fitness of several players in doubt.
Here, we look at each positional unit and decide who has the edge before giving a prediction for the most talked about Manchester Derby in recent times.
Goalkeepers (Edge: United)
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Manchester United have world class veteran Edwin Van der Sar between the sticks, something they have been thankful for in a season that has seen some important injuries along the back four. The 2009 European Goalkeeper of the Year is an excellent communicator and excellent all-around goalkeeper. His presence and stability will be key for United in the hostile atmosphere at Eastlands.
Joe Hart is the rising star of English goalkeeping and has a bright future. However, there is a difference between potential and achievement, and Hart is yet to match the achievements of Van der Sar. In addition, the involvement of Hart in a recent late night student drinking party raises questions about whether Hart has the committed lifestyle to reach the heights of Van der Sar.
City Defense Vs. United Attack (Edge: City)
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Manchester City have put together a solid defensive this season, with their back four conceding less than a goal a game in Premier League play. Ivorian international Kolo Toure will play here and has been in impressive form this season.
The loss of Wayne Rooney for United may not be as big a blow as it appears on the surface. On current from this season, Rooney has been United’s third best forward. With Michael Owen also injured, it has been Dimitar Berbatov and Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez who have led the United attack.
Leading goal-scorer Berbatov is one of the players reported to be struggling with a virus. His fitness may dictate whether United play a front two or go with a lone forward to match City’s three man central midfield. Chicharito has been a revelation this season with his pace and finishing ability, but he could struggle against the City back line if asked to plough a lone furrow up front.
Midfield (Edge: City)
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Gareth Barry and Nigel De Jong provide a solid shield for City in front of the back four. It is not a coincidence that City’s recent disappointing defeat at Wolves came in the absence of De Jong. The Dutch enforcer will be a key presence here and will be a valuable figure if Berbatov plays. Berbatov likes to float behind the midfield and in front of the back four, and De Jong will be a stifling presence for the Bulgarian.
With Barry and De Jong holding the fort, City like to throw Yaya Toure and their wingers up in support of Carlos Tevez. They have a plethora of dangerous options out wide that include England wingers Adam Johnson and Shaun Wright-Phillips, as well as Spanish World Cup winner David Silva.
Darren Fletcher and Michael Carrick will go toe-to-toe with De Jong and Barry in a possession battle that will have a defining impact on the game. The steel of Fletcher and passing ability of Carrick will be key to United’s ability to gain a foothold on what will be a frantic game.
United have some problems in terms of attacking midfield options. Antonio Valencia is a long term absentee, while Ryan Giggs and in-form Potugese winger Nani are unlikely to play. Paul Scholes is also a question mark thanks to the virus that has swept the club. United’s injury list will put a huge emphasis on Park ji-Sung to join the attack. The South Korean winner was a match-winning presence when he scored both goals in the recent 2-1 win over Wolves.
The injury list for United will likely tip the balance of power in City’s favor here.
City Attack Vs. United Defense (Edge: Even)
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The Carlos Tevez billboard notoriously got under the skin of Sir Alex Ferguson, and his play since he arrived at City will not have filled the United manager with joy. With seven goals, Tevez is far and away City’s leading goal threat, and his phenomenal work rate makes him a nightmare to deal with for even the best defenders.
Rio Ferdinand recently returned for United, but the fitness of Nemanja Vidic is a worry and will have a huge bearing on this game. Vidic is another reported virus victim and will be a big loss as United try to deal with their former star.
The United full backs will have their hands full with the lightning fast City wingers, but Patrice Evra is among the best in the business. If Vidic plays, Tevez should have a hard time and will be forced to link up play and bring midfielders into the play. Without Vidic, however, it could be a different story for the free scoring Argentine.
Prediction: Manchester City 1 - 0 Manchester United
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Manchester United have received far too much criticism at times this season for an undefeated team. However, their injury and illness problems have struck at a bad time with a trip to Eastlands beckoning.
Carlos Tevez will be fired up as always against his old team and could be a crucial figure here. In a hard-fought affair, expect an early Tevez goal to hold up and give the Sky Blue side of Manchester reason to celebrate.
