The two Premier League heavyweights meet at Old Trafford this weekend, what role will stars Wayne Rooney, Sergio Aguero, Ashley Young and Edin Dzeko play amongst others?
Who are the bookies favourites?
Paddy Power is offering odds of 21/20 for a Manchester United win, 13/5 for Manchester City and 12/5 for a draw.
Will Wayne Rooney start for United?
Yes. He may have been left out against Liverpool, but with two Champions League goals in the week, there is no way United’s talisman will be dropped for such a key game?
How will United line up?
Phil Jones in central midfield against Liverpool is likely not an experiment to be repeated at home. Ferguson will likely return to the tried and tested Ferdinand and Vidic axis in defence, with Jones at right-back and Evra left.
In midfield expect Nani and Young to start with Anderson and Fletcher.
Rooney will start up top with Welbeck in a 4-4-2.
If he is feeling less brave Rooney will play as a lone striker and Giggs will play centrally in a midfield three.
Will Sergio Aguero start for City?
You bet. Mancini has been saving him for this game, and his late winner against Villareal shows he has fully recovered from his injury.
Edin Dzeko or Mario Balotelli?
This is Mancini’s biggest dilemma, Dzeko’s early season form has dipped while Balotelli is on the rise. The question is whether Balotelli’s self-destruct button can be trusted in such a crucial match. Expect Mancini to ignore the form book and play safe with Dzeko.
Who has most to lose?
United by far, they are two points behind City, and if they lose they could slip to third behind Chelsea who are only one point behind. They will also be subjected to the wave of premature ‘shift in power’ talk if City take the points.
Predict-a-match-winner:
There are too many to choose from, but if United are to prevail, Ashley Young is likely to have a say. He was outstanding against Arsenal and also had an assist against Chelsea, and has become a big game player for England of late. He has had a couple of disappointing outings for United since then, and he will be looking to make it up this weekend and carry on his superb start to life at Old Trafford.
Verdict
Old Trafford has been a fortress of late and United won every league game there last season bar one draw, and have a 100 per cent league record this season.
If anyone can overhaul this it will be City, who will be relying on something special from Sergio Aguero who has the ability to give Rio Ferdinand a torrid time if he starts.
The smart money will be on a draw, and the winning margin will surely only be one goal if there is a winner, but look our for United to sneak it with a late goal, even a penalty.
What are your predictions for the big game? Leave your comments below.
Image: © Paolo Camera
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