vs
In my season preview last year, I
mentioned that Manchester City’s buying power under the ownership of Sheikh
Mansour would see them break into the EPL’s traditional “Big Four” and that Manchester
United remained the favourites for the title with the bookmakers.
Now with 3 matches remaining for the top two in EPL season 2011/2012, where the Premiership Trophy ends up all comes down to the Manchester derby as United travel to Etihad Stadium to take on their rivals City who are yet to lose at home this season.
United currently lead City by 3 points but with a worse goal difference leading into this match. City then travel to Sports Direct Arena to take on Newcastle, who were thumped 4-0 by Wigan this weekend, before welcoming struggling QPR at home. For United, they welcome Swansea City to Old Trafford before finishing the season at the Stadium of Light against Sunderland. Will United see the light at the end of the season then?
With both teams expected to win each of their final 2 games, this match has become one of the biggest and most eagerly-anticipated matches in the Barclays Premier League history.
The equation is simple, City need to win this derby to leapfrog above United in the table on goal difference and to have any chance of claiming the Premiership Trophy. A win or draw for United would almost guarantee the Red Devils a record 20th league title.
Given the form of Carlos Tevez and Sergio Aguero, the United backline could be in for a torrid time. It will also mean Mario Balotelli, available after serving his three-match suspension, should sit out. Roberto Mancini would be foolish to bring Balotelli into this high intensity match given his temperament and ill-discipline. The Red Devils would certainly be riling Balotelli up to see red! However, Mancini has been noted to do foolish things!
Sir Alex Ferguson will most likely employ a five-man midfield to stifle City’s attacks with Wayne Rooney playing the lone striker’s role. United certainly have the experience for these sorts of matches with the likes of Rio Ferdinand, Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes. I had asked in my season preview who would step up to replace Scholes as their creative playmaker and Ferguson answered that by bringing him out of retirement! Giggs is set to make his 908th appearance for United and 36th against City.
Writer’s prediction: There certainly will not be a repeat of the 6-1 thrashing City gave United at Old Trafford of all places! However, Manchester City will remain undefeated at Etihad Stadium with a 1-1 draw and this will see Manchester United being crowned EPL champions for a record 20th time at the Stadium of Light!
Now with 3 matches remaining for the top two in EPL season 2011/2012, where the Premiership Trophy ends up all comes down to the Manchester derby as United travel to Etihad Stadium to take on their rivals City who are yet to lose at home this season.
United currently lead City by 3 points but with a worse goal difference leading into this match. City then travel to Sports Direct Arena to take on Newcastle, who were thumped 4-0 by Wigan this weekend, before welcoming struggling QPR at home. For United, they welcome Swansea City to Old Trafford before finishing the season at the Stadium of Light against Sunderland. Will United see the light at the end of the season then?
With both teams expected to win each of their final 2 games, this match has become one of the biggest and most eagerly-anticipated matches in the Barclays Premier League history.
The equation is simple, City need to win this derby to leapfrog above United in the table on goal difference and to have any chance of claiming the Premiership Trophy. A win or draw for United would almost guarantee the Red Devils a record 20th league title.
Given the form of Carlos Tevez and Sergio Aguero, the United backline could be in for a torrid time. It will also mean Mario Balotelli, available after serving his three-match suspension, should sit out. Roberto Mancini would be foolish to bring Balotelli into this high intensity match given his temperament and ill-discipline. The Red Devils would certainly be riling Balotelli up to see red! However, Mancini has been noted to do foolish things!
Sir Alex Ferguson will most likely employ a five-man midfield to stifle City’s attacks with Wayne Rooney playing the lone striker’s role. United certainly have the experience for these sorts of matches with the likes of Rio Ferdinand, Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes. I had asked in my season preview who would step up to replace Scholes as their creative playmaker and Ferguson answered that by bringing him out of retirement! Giggs is set to make his 908th appearance for United and 36th against City.
Writer’s prediction: There certainly will not be a repeat of the 6-1 thrashing City gave United at Old Trafford of all places! However, Manchester City will remain undefeated at Etihad Stadium with a 1-1 draw and this will see Manchester United being crowned EPL champions for a record 20th time at the Stadium of Light!
