Manchester Derby: Can Mancini's Men Open Up the EPL Title Race?

We are one day away from the City of Manchester derby, and there are many neutrals hoping for at least a draw to stir up the title race. Are Roberto Mancini's men up for the challenge?

After a goalless draw at the City of Manchester Stadium earlier this season, Mancini declared, "Manchester United was 'very lucky' to enjoy the best of their meetings with Manchester City last season." As we all know, Sir Alex Ferguson is probably not a guy you want to play mind games with.

With the United boss confirming today that Rio Ferdinand and Jonny Evans will be unavailable for tomorrow’s match, what are his remaining options for the center back role? Chris Smalling will have to step up to make his first start against his city rivals.

Manchester Utd's best defensive duo this season has been, without a doubt, Nemanja Vidic and Ferdinand. Will Carlos Tevez be able to take advantage of a Man Utd back-line without Ferdinand? He finds no problem running all over the other defenses in the EPL, and I don't see this weekend being any different. Smalling will have big shoes to fill tomorrow, but Sir Alex Ferguson is confident he will be able to fill the void.

A key match up to watch will be the Rafael vs. David Silva battle. Rafael has proven to Ferguson that he is capable of being a regular starter for Manchester United, especially now with the departure of Gary Neville. Although he is a very good player, his youth and inexperience becomes a problem at times.

Will David Silva's quick feet and bursts of speed be able to get the best of the young Brazilian?

Manchester City's defense has been solid this year, but they will be put to the test again tomorrow. Facing the likes of Wayne Rooney, Nani and Dimitar Berbatov isn’t easy, especially at Old Trafford.

Roberto Mancini holds a contained strategy going into such games. He likes to shut down his midfield, allowing Tevez to be the mastermind in the attacking zone. Will Vidic allow his former teamate to have such an influence on the match? 

The only team to leave Old Trafford with any points was West Brom after a two-goal draw. That stat doesn't look too promising for Mancini.

All football fans will want to see a top class match between arguably two of the best teams in the EPL. Will we see a free flowing match with a lot of chances and breathtaking plays, or will we witness a boring midfield battle with limited chances on goal?

One would imagine that both managers will approach the game tomorrow with a conservative mentality. Both teams will look avoid a costly mistake that would give up the first goal. Will Mancini use the same defensive tactics he used at the Emirates against Arsenal, or will he play a more balanced strategy, having his team attack a Manchester Utd back line without Rio?

Having said that, a draw in this game would certainly only help the other teams in the title race. Will the experience of Sir Alex Ferguson be too much for the defensive minded Italian? Or will Mancini's very talented team get the best of arguably the best football manager of all time?