With four losses in the last six games, Ole’s soldiers welcome, to the theatre of dreams, their highly efficient city rivals who boast of five wins in its last six games. As in recent past, will Man City wallop the Red Devils to enhance their chances of clinching the Premier League? In contrast, will United regain their mettle and dent City’s title bid? BRANDPOWER examines the tactics and intrigues that will likely play out tonight at Old Trafford.
The rivalry between Manchester United and Manchester City began during the Victorian times, but it has arguably never been more electrifying than it is today. For years, United dominated the Premier League but their dominance hit gridlock when the legendary, Sir Alex Ferguson left after leading United to 13 titles.
After clinching no silverware in his first season in England, City’s coach, Pep Guardiola shocked the world last season when he guided the ‘Citizens’ to Premier League glory with 100 points. He defeated United at Old Trafford last season and will hope to achieve similar feat when the two Manchester club clash tonight.
A win is key for both sides as something vital is at stake. Manchester City needs the three points to strengthen their pursuit of the Premier League while United need the win to enhance their qualification for next season’s Champions League. City’s hunger for another title and United’s thirst for a resurgent win after the Everton embarrassment will certainly make tonight’s showdown a massive cracker.
Pep Guardiola’s side are two points behind leaders Liverpool, having played a game less, but they will return to the top of the table with just three games left to play with victory over a struggling Red Devils team.
Ole Gunnar’s Solskjaer’s men are on a woeful run of form and were thrashed 4-0 by Everton on Sunday. The result means the team have now lost seven of their last nine games in all competitions.
As expected, City faces another top-four contender and will aim to come out flying in a bid to clinch top spot ahead of Liverpool and retain the Premier League title for the first time in their history. Guardiola has praised the current Liverpool players as the best the club ever had.
Man. City are strong favourites to overcome their local rivals tonight but Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp will be hoping the Red Devils do his side a favour by smashing the Citizens.
The fixture provides a dilemma for Manchester United fans. The club will want to beat local rivals City but will know victory could effectively end bitter rivals Liverpool’s long wait for a league title.
Solskjaer has spoken of his team’s need to get back on track after their dismal defeat at Everton. The United boss could look to shake up his team in a bid to extract a response from his side. He will be boosted by the return of full-back Luke Shaw from suspension.
The defence has been a weakness for United in recent games:
However, Manchester United will need to produce a significant improvement on recent showings if they are to get anything out of Wednesday’s derby. Their recent results have seen hopes of a top-four finish fade, and it’s difficult to see the hosts being able to produce the quality needed to upset Guardiola’s men. Will they be able to do this? We shall know tonight.
Samson Oyedeyi
