This game was one Manchester Derby which did not disappoint any of the neutrals watching the game. Manchester City started the game very well as Joleon Lescott had scored by the 38th minute from a set piece where he beat everybody in the air to head the ball into a very open net. City added to United's pain as keeper David De Gea just bought in the Summer from Atletico Madrid was beaten by an unusual long range effort from the Bosnian, Edin Dzeko. United went in 2-0 down at the break but a Smalling goal after 52 minutes gave signs of a comeback from United. Nani made it 2-2 after 58 minutes and as the game approached it's end Nani got a 94th minute winner. It was looking like the advantage was given to United before a football was kicked in the Premier League season.
The two met once again on the 23rd of October at Old Trafford. The Manchester clubs had both blown away teams early on in the season and this looked like it could be the closest Manchester Derby in the history of the matches, that it wasn't. Balotelli gave Manchester City an early lead in the match and United were looking slightly shaky. The game was 1-0 to the blue side of Manchester at half time. Things looked worse for United as Evans got a red card straight away after half time. Balotelli got his second of the game to make it 2-0. Within 10 minutes after that goal City were 3-0 up as Aguero beat De Gea. United were given hope as they pulled City back to 3-1 through a wonder goal from Darren Fletcher. This hope faded as it entered added time and United's 18 month unbeaten run at home was under threat. In added time SIlva scored a goal. Dzeko, who had scored in the Community Shield was introduced as a sub earlier in the game and he added 2 more late goals to pile on the misery. The game finished 1-6 and City were leaving Old Trafford with their tails up.
The 8th of January arrived and Manchester United had drawn Manchester City in the FA Cup 3rd round. The game was to be played at the Etihad and after City's 6-1 demolishing of United at Old Trafford, there was a wide expectancy that City could pull out the win once again. A Vincent Kompany first half red card helped United go into Half Time 3-0 up. The pick of the goals being a Welbeck volley. Rooney scored either side of that goal and United were seeing the prospect of their very own 6-1 win over Manchester City. However, this arrogance cost United as just after the break Kolarov brought the game back to 3-1. On the 65th minute Aguero stunned United by scoring a second for City and it was 3-2, but United had just enough to hold off the challenge of the Citizens and the game saw no more goals, finishing 3-2. Even the United win worried fans, as they did not see through their 3 goal lead against City's 10 men and made things awkward for themselves.
All of these past games mean nothing as we approach Monday night's match. All of the 35 league matches that the two sides have played make no difference. All that matters here is who comes out victorious on the night. City, who have had training ground fights and players departing for over half of the season on holiday to play golf, lie 3 points off the top of the table and know a win is enough to put them top of the league due to their goal difference which is superior to United's by 6 goals. United, who have (as already mentioned) been trashed 6-1 at home against City and have crashed out of both the Champions League and League Cup this season in extremely embarrassing fashion, know a draw is enough to keep them 3 points ahead and a win almost sees them as mathematical Champions.
How both teams approach games like this:Ferguson has talked all week about how he will not play in a defensive mindset. This could very well be illustrated in his team selection I think. Many people are talking about him approaching the game in a different manner to the rest of the games this season, by going with Rooney up front alone. I am of a different opinion to the public as I think Rooney will drop back into midfield as he has done regularly this season and Welbeck may continue to play up forward. I also see a great possibility of Nani retaining his place in the team ahead of Ashley Young, who may have the 'impact sub' role. It will be interesting to see if Dimitar Berbatov is to feature but I see it as highly unlikely.
Mancini still approaches this game in a negative manner even though he knows a win for his side will place them top of the league. There are a lot of rumours circulating that trouble maker Mario Balotelli may feature in this game having returned from suspension after his red card against Arsenal. However, I can't see Mancini selecting anyone but the man who spent half of his season away playing golf and has lit up the Premier League since his return. I can see Mancini sticking with a similar team to the one which has played many games recently but I think substitutes such as Adam Johnson and Edi Dzeko could be key if City are to grab a victory.
Prediction:
Expect drama and excitement in a game which will start out as a very tactical battle but will evolve into much more. I'm going to let my Manchester United bias shine through and I'm going to go for:
MANCHESTER CITY 2- 3 Manchester United
Tevez Rooney (x2)
A. Johnson A. Young
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