With the
Manchester derby set to take place today evening, 18 Yard Box looks at the key
player battles that will decide the game.
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The Battle of Manchester continues with it's first instalment of the season set to be played today |
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One thing that might not have failed to cross Kompany’s mind will certainly be about Van Persie being in the blue of Manchester rather than the red. And today, it might just be proved how big a mistake it was to let him go to your biggest rivals. With 10 goals in 15 appearances for Manchester United, Van Persie has led the charge for United’s title ambitions and will surely test Kompany to the core.
Persie, although is a potent striker with deadly finishing, is poor in the air and that is where Kompany is expected to dominate him. Kompany being a good marker of the striker, Van Persie could find crosses hard to control and here is where the game could be won. Van Persie, though on the other hand, has been in great form and with his clever movements could spell trouble for the Belgian centre back. Hard to predict, rest assured, this is going to be a fantastic clash.
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With Kagawa’s injury and subsequent failure to adjust to English football, Rooney has continued playing just behind Van Persie and succeeding at it. Sitting in the whole, just behind the striker, he has been extremely important in the build-up play linking well from the midfield and supplying the forwards with the final passes.
On the other hand, Yaya Toure is having yet another fabulous season for the Citizens as he is one of their most important players. His presence in the centre of the park is extremely crucial if City are to win anything this season. With Rooney dropping deep to pick up passes, it will be interesting to watch how someone like Yaya Toure plays since he is equally important both in supporting the attack and the defense. His main task today will be to break up play between United’s midfield and Rooney and only if they do fall behind, we could expect those trademark runs from him which more often than not result in the ball being in the back of the net.
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With Aguero and Balotelli set to start, Manchester United’s defense could have problems today. Although Balotelli has not been in the best of forms since the start of the season, his performances have been gradually improving. With a weak United defense to test, these two could have a good game if they combine well.
Jonny Evans, on the other hand, has improved considerably from last season. Having taken his responsibilities well; Evans has now matured into an admirable player on the pitch. From curses to praises, he has earned his reputation well. The area where Aguero could take advantage of Evans is his experience. Aguero certainly has plenty of it and a lot of damage could be done here. Alongwith this, Evans will have to be weary of the quick turns inside the box which Aguero is brilliant in doing. To add to this Ageruo's deadly, movement might just be too much to handle for the youngster. With Ferdinand, who is slow and past his prime, by his side the centre back pairing does not look very impressive at present.
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