Preview: Manchester United v/s Manchester City

18YB looks at the upcoming Manchester Derby, which having once being touted as a title decider, looks like a dead rubber with United currently leading their crosstown rivals by a massive 15 points.

         

Manchester United will welcome fierce rivals Manchester City to Old Trafford on Monday

The stakes are certainly not as high as before with the title being Manchester United's to lose with just 8 games to go. Having gone through a rather inconsistent season,this match might be the last chance for Mancini to salvage any pride or possibly, his job. After losing out on the Champions League and in all probabilities the Premier league, Mancini's job is under serious threat and anything other than a win would put his job under further jeopardy. As for United,a win this match would surely kill the two-way title race and would be the apt retribution to last season's 6-1 drubbing by City in the corresponding fixture.

Manchester United

While the title looks secure, beating their rivals to wrap it all up will be all United want this week. They do not have any other competition to play for this season, while City have an FA Cup semi-final to play against Chelsea next week and defeating them in the derby now will only dent their hopes of beating the Londoners. Apart from a massive points gap between the two, a trophy less season for City will be all the more satisfying for the Red Devils and thus they will be looking to deflate the Citizens on Monday night. 

Strengths

It has been a smooth ride for Sir Alex Ferguson and his troops this season and the league table is a proof of it. Having sorted out the problems in the back, United now boasts of the best defense in the past 3 months.With Vidic, Ferdinand, Evans and Smalling all back from injury, United have gone on a run of 6 matches without conceding not to mention, the ever improving David de Gea. The Spanish custodian has been in outstanding form going 642 minutes without conceding any goal.  

Moreover,with Wayne Rooney recovering from the groin injury, his addition to the squad will be a major boost. Having scored twice against the same opposition in the previous fixture, Rooney would be Sir Alex Ferguson's trump card against City.

Rooney has returned to scoring since Van Persie has had a poor run of form in the past two months

Weaknesses

United's talismanic striker Robin van Persie has been having a dry spell in front of goal, not having scored for the past 10 games. Their wingers haven't been in top form either which has been the reason for the deployment of Danny Welbeck and Shinji Kagawa in the wide areas. Their attack lacks a bit of variation at the moment and certainly require the goals of the Dutchman to end the season comfortably. 

Persie has endured a dry spell for the past 11 games in all competitions

Importance of a win

A win in the derby would mean more than just 3 points for Sir Alex Ferguson and co. A win in this derby would enable United to go 18 points clear, realistically taking them out of reach of City. United have already got a victory at the Etihad in the League earlier this campaign and this victory will put the finishing touches in what has been a delightful season for them domestically.

Manchester City

Lurking at the 2^ndposition in the league table, Manchester City's title chances are very slim and a win against possible title winners United would only close down the gap by 3 points. However,this match holds tremendous significance to their board as Roberto Mancini's job holds in the balance. They haven't performed up to expectations in the League this season,  not to mention their disappointments in the Champions League. A change in management could be their next move although a convincing win over United now could change all that. 

A win against United could be important for the Italian's future

Strengths

A team full of gifted individuals, Manchester City has enough firepower to snub United in the upcoming derby. With Vincent Kompany recovering completely, Manchester City's defence looks solid with Kompany and Nastasic possibly pairing-up at the back to neutralise United's attacking prowess. Moreover, the Yaya Toure and Gareth Barry partnership ahead of the back four has paid dividends for Mancini in the past few games. 

David Silva has returned to form and so has Carlos Tevez. The duo have been inconsistent through out the season and that, in reality has been the problem for the Citizens. Too many players have underperformed leading to a disappointing season for Mancini's team.

Weaknesses

Even though they have ammunition to blow away any side in the world, Mancini's men have been unable to play to their potential for the maximum part of this season. They have been inconsistent and on occassions they lack a back-up plan. 

Nasri, Tevez and a couple of other important players have let City down this season

The core of the players who won them the title last term have let their manager down with performances nowhere near the wages they demand. An overhaul looks necessary with only players who have the hunger for keeping the side at the top having a place in the side.

Importance of a win

A win in this match is necessary to City to show that they are still a force to reckon with. They must not give up giving United a late push for the title and a victory here will show that a winning mentality has been established at the club, which will be crucial for years to come. Many more league titles are to be fought for and City need to prove that they have the determination in them by winning this fixture. 

The Final Verdict

Looking ahead to this game,its a tough decision to guess a winner in this exciting derby but going by statistics and form,it is Manchester City's game to lose. However,given the unpredictability of Sir Alex Ferguson's side, Manchester United might edge out City and go 18 points clear at the top of the table.

Will Mancini keep his job or will he be check-mated again by Sir Alex Fergsuon ? All we can do is wait and watch.

Written by,

Rishav Ghosh