18 Yard Box looks at the mega clash of the weekend as the two Manchester clubs go head on in a top of the table clash.
The rivalry which United shared with the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea in the past seasons has shifted its focus to their own terrain. With City winning the title on the last day of the last season on goal difference, United would like to make amends by beating City at City's den and firm their grip on the title.
As the 2 Manchester clubs come together for the first instalment of their clashes of this season, we, at 18 yard box, will look at the game from a neutral perspective and see how it may pan out.
Manchester City
City haven't lost a single game in the Premier League, least anyone forgets that, which means they have been good, in fact very good. Its been a start stop campaign for them overall but in terms of the League they are doing well. 3 points off the top but a win tomorrow and they are back at the top albeit depending on the goal difference.
Strengths
The goals continue to be scored by Aguero and Tevez and in case the duo dont, they always have the super super sub Dzeko to do the honors. With Yaya Toure continuing to be the dominant force in the midfield, City seem to have eased the pains of the Champions League knockout by being better and more focused towards the league.
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| They are on song |
Weakness
David Silva's creativity is being missed and how. The fluidity of their game is gone and the pace has slacked too. Nasri seems to be a pale shadow of his former self and when you look around, suddenly, City seem to be searching for answers to unlock rigid defenses. Lescott maybe back but Kompany still doesn't know who his partner will be week in week out. Even the normally reliable Joe Hart seem to be having butter fingers and if that isn't a sign of pressure then nothing else is. The constant chop and change by Mancini is definitely not helping anyone too.
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| The Spanish architect needs to step up |
Manchester United
Top of the league, top of the group in the Champions League. That is where United are right now. 3 points ahead City, United could use this game as a springboard to propel them 6 points above their fierce rivals. With Sir Alex having already started playing his mind games, United will have to do well to grind out a win at the City of Manchester stadium (now known as Etihad).
Strengths
Robin Van Persie is scoring and so is his team for fun. Manchester United seem to have taken the new winning mantra, always score one more than the opposition and they are doing it in style. For all the players they are missing, the array of attacking forwards at their disposal have ensured that United continue to score in every game and win most of them.
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| They seem to be scoring for fun |
Weakness
"I may have to come and play if this is the way we defend", said Sir Alex Ferguson after the Reading game. Its obvious that United' defense is the problem. United have conceded a lot more than they are used to and most of the goals shipped have been due to individual mistakes as well as complete lack of coordination. Vidic is being missed but so is a midfielder who can hold the ball and ensure stability. Anderson, Carrick and Fletcher have all been tried but no one seems to be able to perform consistently to Sir Alex's liking. The full backs problems continue and De Gea seems to be better saving with his legs than his hands.
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| Rio has not been himself this season |
Tactical Overview
City seem to have the more compact team compared to their neighbours but United know how to score. The midfield clearly seem to belong to City for United seem to be struggling to find the right combination. The fact is both managers seem unsure of their best playing 11 and that's a surprise close to halfway in the season. City are under more pressure than United which is self inflicted to a certain extent due to Mancini's tinkering with the team constantly. The game could be won and lost by team selections but more so by the team which wants to win more. Logically City should be the hungrier of the two.
With both the teams possessing equal firepower upfront the game will surely be decided in the midfield region where City seems to have the stability and depth. It should not be a problem to find a way through this ailing United defence and we could be in for a cracker of a game.
The Final verdict
Mancini is under pressure and in more ways than one. Lose the game and City are 6 points behind United who traditionally get better after Christmas. United, on the other hand, would not want to hand over the initiative to City knowing that City with their bench strength can always become stronger in the second half of the season. United may play a more conservative game which may mean a 4-5-1 and that is being defensive. City should win this one by the odd goal in 3 mainly because they are more desperate to win and also have the better players to call upon when in need.
Written By,
Vinay Prabhakar
Vinay is a writer for 18 Yard Box
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