Noisy neighbors aren’t exactly pleasant and it makes life extremely difficult if they happen to be a part of something as passionate as football. Ever since the Sheikhs took over Manchester City, things have changed drastically and for all its success domestically and on the continental front it’s evident that the boys in Blue have got under the skin of Fergie and his team. What makes this weekend’s fixture spicier is that it happens to be the first time the two teams face each other ever since City nudged United in a last minute thriller to win the premier league after. Encounters between the two teams have been close ever since the Sheikhs took over the blue half. With less than a goal separating on most occasions it’s been more of a tactical battle than an exhibition of football.
Recent Past
The two teams faced off each other thrice last season and each of those games was distinct and unique in itself.
Round 1: Community Shield
Referred to as curtain raiser by many this game was anything but the half hearted attempt we have come to see year in and year out. Avenging an FA cup loss was on top of agenda for Fergie and his men though what was in store would take them by surprise. Post initial exchanges City took the lead courtesy of a Lescott header. Dzeko doubled the lead with a well struck shot from outside the box and City were now smelling blood. United went into the break trailing City by two goals and staring down the barrel once again. They aren’t called Red Devils for nothing and when Chris Smalling reduced the lead a sense of Déjà vu was setting in across Wembley with the Reds fighting back. Courtesy of a Nani double the Reds were able to win the game in 90 mins. The blue section was reflecting as to how they had lost a game that was well within grasp whereas the red section celebrated another win over its noisy neighbours. The question that many were raising was “What Revolution?”
Round 2: Premier League (United Home)
United probably went into this game as firm favorites given what had happened in the community shield. Playing at home it would have taken a bold man to go against United for the win. What happened in the next 90 minutes is probably one of the worst nightmares Fergie would have lived through. City took the game by the scruff of its neck and punished United’s fragile defense. Balotelli, Dzeko and Silva created havoc and for once United looked meek and submissive. The game will also be known for Balotelli’s shirt that quoted “Why always me”. The footballing fraternity was shocked with the result and questions were raised about United’s defense etc but most importantly there was an answer and it was loud and clear for the world to see – The blue revolution had finally arrived.
Round 3: Premier League (City Home)
Probably the biggest game in City’s history was here and the league title still in the balance with United now in the lead City needed all the three points. As expected it turned out to be a cagey affair with Vincent Kompany scoring the only goal in the game. Emotions ran high and both managers having a go at each other on more than once. Mancini hadn’t played the mind games prior to the buildup but he was not prepared to take this lying down. City managed to hold and with this win City was well and truly back in the title race and for once here was a team that would match United stride for stride in the business end of the season. With City going on to win the title it was evident that Fergie now had a new adversary in Mancini and City. Retirement plans were put aside till he could get his revenge, there was a new zeal to life and a big indication was in the summer when he managed to snatch Van Persie from under City’s nose.
Current Scenario
City enters the game unbeaten in the league though they look a shadow of the side that strung a set of results to win the league. Poor showing in Champions league has meant additional pressure to retain the league. United on the other hand have continued where they left last season and with the addition of Van Persie they look capable of outscoring any team in the league. Though United have their own share of defensive woes and some of that was evident when Reading managed to put 3 past De Gea in the first half. Then again form book goes out of the window in a derby and with the title at stake expect another high voltage clash.
Probable Lineups
Man City: Hart; Maicon, Kompany, Nastasic, Zabaleta; Nasri, Toure, Barry, Silva; Tevez, Aguero
Man United: De Gea ; Rafael, Ferdinand, Evans, Evra; Young, Fletcher, Carrick, Welbeck; Rooney, Van Persie
Prediction: 1-1
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