Preview: Manchester City v/s Manchester United

Preview: Manchester City v/s Manchester United

18 Yard Box's Aman Arora takes a look at the Mancunian derby, in what promises to be a crucial clash for both teams' new managers.

Manchester United visit their cross-town rivals Manchester City's Etihad Stadium with a manager other than Sir Alex Ferguson for the first time in 26 long years. But their aim once the ball is kicked will be no different than all three points as they look to kick start their campaign after disappointing results in the other big matches of this season against Liverpool and Chelsea. A win for David Moyes' side will put them top of the table (only if Tottenham and Arsenal drop points), likewise for City as both teams have garnered 7 points of the possible 12.

Manuel Pellegrini's side will be glad to have talisman Vincent Kompany back from a groin injury just in time for the big game along side David Silva, who also missed their last two games with a thigh injury. Englishman Micah Richards could feature for the first time this season after suffering a hamstring problem but Gael Clichy is a doubt because of a thigh injury.

United, on the other hand start the game with morale boosting news of Danny Welbeck returning to full training, while Phil Jones and Rafael are doubts for the game with ankle and hamstring injuries respectively.

Jesus Navas will look to use his pace and skills against Evra

The Citizens will look to start the game in their standard 4-2-3-1 formation with Yaya Toure and Fernandinho being used in the double pivot they have been using since the start of the season. They started the game against Viktoria Plzen with both Eden Dzeko and Sergio Aguero upfront along side Samir Nasri and Jesus Navas on the wings. 

A similar system today, although they played in mid-week, could be expected with Navas an important outlet on the wings against the comparatively slower Patrice Evra. Alvaro Negredo and Stevan Jovetic will both provide depth to the riches they posses in the attacking area giving Chilean Pellegrini the necessary options he needs up front. 

Expect James Milner to play a role against United

James Milner should have a role to play against in midfield against Chris Smalling (who should get the go head on the right hand side of United's defense) with the industrious Englishman having the versatility to play centrally not to mention his ability to help them win the ball back when City do lose possession. 

Wayne Rooney should continue his tremendous early season form to trouble City

David Moyes's side, however, will rely on the in form Wayne Rooney to provide the necessary impetus to get them the three points, in addition to Shinji Kagawa / Ashley Young on the left and Antonio Valenica providing the width on the right hand side. Young will provide them with width on the left hand side as well which will be crucial against Pablo Zabaleta as compared to Kagawa who has the tendency to drift inside and combine with Rooney. The Japanese international though is more creative as compared to the former Villa man, who tends to drift in and out of games.

Robin Van Persie, who has already scored six goals in as many appearances this season, will look forward to add to that tally against a pairing of the returning Kompany and the young Nastasic.

Centrally, Michael Carrick and Marouane Fellaini should get the go head in what will be a delightful midfield battle against the riches of their rivals. Both set of midfielders are strong passers of the ball with the ones of City capable of producing anything out of nothing. For United though, Carrick will look to set the tempo from the deep along side  the Belgian who will relish any opportunity to get beyond Fernandinho to provide someting extra going forward.

Belgian Fellaini will look forward to a strong midfield battle against Yaya Toure and Fernandinho

A game which will surely go a long way in deciding the title winner, this Manchester derby might just be more than that with City looking to establish themselves domestically more than ever before now that Sir Alex Ferguson has drawn curtains to his illustrious career.

Written by,

Aman Arora

Aman writes for 18 Yard Box and Goal India.

What do you think about the game? Discuss with the author at @aman_ghs or Drop in your comments below.