The derby is always going to be one of the stand out fixtures of the season. And there is lots riding on this one.
Manchester United haven’t beaten their arch rivals since they recorded an unlikely 3-2 win in their last title winning campaign under Sir Alex Ferguson.
In truth they haven’t come that close to inflicting another defeat on Manchester City since. this time last year David Moyes had United in a right mess and they were humbled 4-1 by a Manchester City side that finished the game at a canter.
This one is likely to be closer as Manchester City’s form has been hit and miss while Manchester United look revived, if not yet completely recovered, since Louis van Gaal took the reigns.
Manchester City are at home so you would expect them to play two up top as they like to. They have been largely injury free this season – only Samir Nasri’s absence has really weakened the first eleven and he’s training again – but the form of Eliaquim Mangala has been a little troubling.
City also have doubts about David Silva and Yaya Toure who picked up knocks in the shock defeat by Newcastle. Silva could be out for a few weeks, according to reports, but Toure is hopeful.
For a game of this gravity we feel that Demichelis may be asked to step in again. With Silva out Nasri could go straight back into the team.
Otherwise there will be a very familiar look to the Manchester City side, with Milner starting ahead of Navas for the added defensive cover that he offers.
Manchester City fans: is this the team to beat United?
Tom
Oct 30, 2014 at 9:34 pm
If Dzeko starts ahead of Jovetic, on current form, then… I will be lost for words.