The Manchester Derby

This Sunday, the city of Manchester will host a no love contest between rivals ‘The Citizens’ and ‘The Red Devils’. The Manchester derby has become one of the most high profile rivalries since Manchester City’s big money takeover in 2008. The Manchester teams are the last two clubs to win the Premier League, with Manchester City winning the title in the 2011/12 season and United being the current champions.Although both teams are under new management for the first time since 1986, it is certain both managers know the importance and value of this match to both clubs, players and fans.

Manchester united will be hoping to emulate last season’s dramatic 3-2 win in which Robin van Persie’s stoppage time free-kick led to a fracas involving fans and flares being thrown onto the ground. David Moyes will want to maintain his own excellent record at the Etihad stadium. The Scot won on four of his last six visits as Everton manager, losing just once.Last week’s 2-0 success over Crystal Palace was Moyes’ first win at Old Trafford before he celebrated his first Champions League win as United manager by beating Bayer Leverkusen 4-2 at home.Wayne Rooney was a central figure in that game and after enduring a difficult summer has performed well in the last couple of games.

Manuel Pellegrini should know a thing or two about derbies as the Chilean has previously managed in the Superclassico - River plate vs Boca juniors and El Classico - Real Madrid against Barcelona. City impressed in Europe in midweek after a 3-0 win over Viktoria Plzen and Pellegrini is seeking a hat-trick of home wins in the Premier League after beating Newcastle and Hull City 4-0 and 2-0 respectively. Several of Citys summer signings will look to get a taste of the derby which is now english footballs most toxic rivalry. Despite injuries hitting City’s defence, they have kept clean sheets in four of their five games so far this season.

David Moyes hinted at minimal changes. Rafael, Phil Jones and Danny Welbeck though are expected to remain absent through injury. Blues captain, Vincent Kompany returned from a groin problem in midweek and should start. Spanish midfielder David Silva has been rated as a major doubt after picking up a thigh muscle injury whilst on international duty.

Adarsh A R