Goal Difference Threatens: The Derby

Goal Difference Threatens: The Derby
Match Preview: Manchester City v Manchester United
by Senior Editor Wong Yang

Any match between these two teams are always highly anticipated, with both teams boasting talented players who light up English football. Tonight's derby, however, has a greater meaning than ever before.


United travel to Etihad Stadium with a three-point lead over their rivals. However, City will be carrying greater momentum this time having won their last three matches, unlike United, who have dropped five points with just one win in their last three matches. The result of this match will either send United 6 points clear of City, or bring City to the top of the table on goal difference. City have 60 on goal difference, while United are trailing by 6 goals. United have more experience when it comes to title chasing, and City are venturing into uncharted territory. Nevertheless, the blue side of Manchester are obviously hungry for their first Premier League title in 44 years. They have scored 12 goals since manager Roberto Mancini declared the title chase "finished". 


City have come far in the past 3 to 4 years, after Sheikh Mansour took over ownership of the club. The club has spent nearly £1 billion on transfers and wages since Mansour came in. 


United, though without Nemanja Vidic, have a reliable back two in Rio Ferdinand and Jonny Evans, who have developed a strong central defence partnership. City have striker Mario Balotelli back after he served his three-match ban for his sending off at Arsenal earlier this month. Balotelli scored two goals in the two team's past meeting, whereby City thumped the Red Devils 6-1. However, Carlos Tevez could take his place, for helping the team win three games after his return to the starting line-up. Mancini told France Football, "Despite some stupid things he has done, Mario has done some important things, like his double strike at Old Trafford this season. With him, anything is possible. It is difficult to say today if I will recall Balotelli but everyone is available and I will make my choice on Sunday. It's like a family when a child does stupid things. The affection of the parents is still there. He's young and he commits big mistakes that can put the team in difficulty. But I still think he has great talent, and I hope he will be a City player next season. It's all in his hands."


According to Sky Sports, this is the possible starting line-up:

Man City: Hart, Richards, Kompany, Lescott, Clichy, Milner, De Jong, Yaya Toure, Silva, Aguero, Tevez.

Man Utd: De Gea, Jones, Ferdinand, Evans, Evra, Valencia, Carrick, Scholes, Giggs, Park, Rooney.

Football fans I interviewed were neither Manchester United fans nor Manchester City fans, and they had different opinions on the outcome of the game. Dylan Tan feels that Manchester City do not have the firepower to defeat United, who have Wayne Rooney in top form. "Man Utd will prevail this time round." commented Dylan. Stepping aside from the derby, he feels that Manchester United have a better chance at the title with City facing tougher upcoming fixtures. However, Preston Teng said, "Sergio Aguero, Tevez, and Yaya Toure would play important roles in the derby. Evra has been playing defence badly of late, while Manchester City have a reliable keeper in Joe Hart, who has been superb. Manchester United drew 4-4 with Everton in their last match after leader 4-2. Manchester have great experience in Scholes and Giggs, but City will emerge victorious this time."

Any match between these two teams always contain surprises and excitement. Tonight's derby, however, has a greater meaning than ever before.

Manchester City Vs Manchester United | The Last Say | Promo | HD

(by Youtube user planerhys121)