Manchester United vs. Manchester City: A Top of the Table Derby

“We've played all the top teams now” claimed Alex Ferguson on Match of the Day, following the Liverpool game at Anfield—a match in which his first choice strike force and best winger were rested in preparation for the coming week.

The obvious flaw in Ferguson’s statement is that United go into the Manchester derby in second place, two points behind the blues, following City’s 4-1 demolition of Aston Villa last Saturday.

A City win at Old Trafford would send them five points clear of their local rivals at the top of the table.

Although United were unable to produce a cohesive performance without the division’s leading scorer —Wayne Rooney —City were able to rotate their squad to greater success. 

Sergio Aguero—currently one goal behind Rooney in the race for the golden boot— was not risked following a recent groin injury, whilst Edin Dzeko was not required to leave the bench. 

David Silva made a 25 minute cameo, but Samir Nasri was unable to increase on his impressive six assists in five games as he also remained on the bench.

The return of Nigel de Jong from an injury sustained in the opening game of the season was a welcome relief, combined with the premier league debut of Manchester United old-boy Owen Hargreaves.

So far this term, City lead the way in the Barclays Premier League, scoring 27 goals in the first eight matches (a feat only matched once in Premier League history, by Arsenal in 09/10), conceding just six times.

United have also conceded only six goals, but lie two points and two goals under City, scoring 25 times.

The Old Trafford derby will be especially interesting, considering that City currently hold the division’s best away record—W3 D1 L0—scoring a division-high 14 goals and conceding five.

Meanwhile, United hold the top home record —W4 D0 L0—leading the division’s home-scoring charts with 16, with the opposition replying only three times.