Manchester United vs. Manchester City
The clash of the Manchester giants is the highlight of the weekend’s Premier League action with champions United hosting their arch rivals, and current Premiership leaders, City. Roberto Mancini led City to their first silverware in over 30 years at Wembley last season and that was swiftly followed by their first campaign in the Champions League. It was also a signal of intent to their Manchester rivals that they are closing the gap.
City go into this game full of confidence after some impressive league performances, the latest a thumping 4-1 win over Aston Villa that enabled them to leapfrog their Manchester rivals in the title race. The return from injury of Sergio Aguero is another boost for the Blues, although he is not a certain starter on Sunday. Mancini has an embarrassment of riches in terms of strikers and will leave his team selection until the last minute.
Both teams will be defending an unbeaten record and have been scoring for fun in their opening Premiership matches. United’s form has dipped slightly but this was perhaps inevitable after their sensational start that was highlighted by an 8-2 mauling of Arsenal at Old Trafford. They were made to battle for a point at Liverpool last weekend but that was no disgrace and they will be keen to renew winning ways here.
United will also have been boosted with the return last week of Nemanja Vidic from a calf injury. The Serbian defender played a pivotal role in last season’s Premiership glory and could be re-united with his regular defensive partner Rio Ferdinand. Whoever lines up, they can expect a thorough examination from a City attack that has plundered 27 goals in just 8 league games this season. Victory for United on Sunday would see them back on top of the league whereas a City triumph would put them five points clear of the champions. Clearly there is much more at stake than just the local bragging rights.
