Allen Hamilton
What: English Premier League
Who: Manchester City vs Manchester United
When: Monday 30th April, 2012, at 20:00 UK Time
Where: Eastlands, Manchester, England
The Chance That Threatened Not to Come
Just weeks ago there seemed to be no Premier League title challenge left for Manchester City. The Citizens lost 1-0 at Arsenal on 8th April in a game Roberto Mancini had labelled a ‘must win’ for any chance of the title being hoisted by Vincent Kompany to remain; Manchester United beat QPR 2-0 the same day.
However, stumbles from Sir Alex Ferguson’s men, against Everton and Wigan, have opened the door and made this clash, so long billed as a title decider, the ultimate winner takes all contest. Mancini, well aware of this, has partaken in Ferguson’s staple over the last week, mind games, with the aim of piling the pressure on the visiting champions. "They are top, three points ahead. After the derby they have two easy games", said Mancini, stressing his side’s need to visit Newcastle before hosting QPR, while United play Swansea (home) and Sunderland (away).
"For us, it’s different because it’s the first time [fighting for the title]. At the moment, we don’t have any pressure because we are not expected to win", added the Italian.
As victory would hand City the lead on goal difference, it is doubtful Mancini’s words have lifted the big weight on his team’s shoulders though. And Ferguson has done his best to keep it there too. "Roberto wants to take the pressure off his own players", said the United boss.
Making a Statement
Manchester United may come into this Manchester derby under serious pressure, and the inquest into a failed title challenge would be painful given their commanding position at the start of the month, yet the reigning champions have been here before. And that is why Ferguson, and veteran Ryan Giggs, still ooze confidence over the outcome.
"We’re under no illusions that it’s a tough game, but it’ll be a tough game for City as well", said Giggs. "They will be looking at it and fancying themselves to win just like ourselves because they’re a good team and they’re at home. But we’re Man Utd, we’re the champions and we’ll be trying to put a statement out that shows we deserve to win this league."
Giggs’ bluster however hides a deeper concern as City splash the cash and threaten to become regular challengers to United’s dominance. Fresh in Ferguson’s mind will surely be the 6-1 loss in the reverse Premier League fixture earlier this season. While that hurt was assuaged somewhat by the 3-2 FA Cup victory here, the sending off of Vincent Kompany on that occasion tempered the joy, as the Citizens pointed to ten men as a reason for defeat.
United though do have an advantage afforded through two results being acceptable. "If we draw we’ll be strong favourites, but we will be trying to win", said Ferguson, betraying an attitude which could see the champions clinging on in the final ten minutes if the scores are locked level.
Recent form
Manchester City:
Manchester City 4-0 West Brom (11/04; Premier League)
Norwich City 1-6 Manchester City (14/05; Premier League)
Wolverhampton Wanderers 0-2 Manchester City (22/04; Premier League)
Manchester United:
Wigan Athletic 1-0 Manchester United (11/04; Premier League)
Manchester United 4-0 Aston Villa (15/04; Premier League)
Manchester United 4-4 Everton (22/04; Premier League)
Key absences
Manchester City: None
Manchester United: Nemanja Vidic; Darren Fletcher; Anderson
Players to watch
Manchester City – Carlos Tevez: Like an actor on a stage, the script seems to have been written for Carlos Tevez. Out for much of the season through self-imposed exile, failed transfers to AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain, along with an unlikely recall to the Citizens’ first team, the Argentine has nevertheless emerged as a key man in this title chase. And with the spice which comes with being an ex-Manchester United player, he will be keen to grab the trophy away from Ferguson.
Manchester United – Paul Scholes: In much the same way as Tevez, the script written on high could see Scholes enjoy a fairy tale end of season run-in. Having emerged from retirement to aid United’s title charge, the 37-year-old has barely misplaced a pass and looked capable of continuing in a red shirt next year. He must control the tempo of the game and play defence-splitting balls here.
Match Prediction
Even the Premier League themselves could not have set up a more compelling Manchester derby. The title will probably not be decided here, but the momentum the result creates will be hard to stop. For the hosts, only victory is seen as enough, while the visitors could happily take one of two results. In the end, expect Manchester City to edge it, but only just. Manchester City 3-2 Manchester United.
Key battles will decide the Manchester derby. We analyse the duels that matter here.
This Manchester City v Manchester United clash could signal the Premier League winners. Who do you think will win? Make sure you visit OLBG for tips and to compare the current odds and betting markets available at all the important bookmakers.
