As the season nears it’s end, we begin to get a clear picture of where each team stands. Manchester United and Manchester City are currently third and fourth on the table respectively, the reigning Premier League champions will be wondering what has caused their slump in recent times.
The Sky Blues were in second place right until the last game week, which saw them succumb to rejuvenated Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. United, on the other hand, have enjoyed a great run of form without actually playing their best football. With only a point separating both Manchester clubs, both teams will be eager to grab a win in this Sunday’s derby at Old Trafford.
I will be honest when I say that the Manchester derbies are one of the fixtures that I most look forward to in the English Premier League. There is a simple reason to this, PURE ENTERTAINMENT. Yes indeed, the battle of Manchester has always produced enthralling and exciting games in the past and especially in the last few years. Goals, tackles, cards, controversies, you can expect it all. Even some of the goals we have witnessed, have been some absolute stunners (Remember Rooney’s overhead screamer). It is the first time that the Red Devils have been ahead of their crosstown rivals in the league this season. City have clearly struggled away from home, having lost their last three away matches on the trot. Old Trafford is clearly not the best place to be going with that kind of record. They will look to end that run on Sunday, when they make the short trip across Manchester. United will feel confident going into this one, having won all of their last five league games.
Even though Louis Van Gaal’s men have not been playing the most impressive football, they have still managed to grind out results on a number of occasions. United have shown clear signs of weakness in front of goal this season, Rooney is their top scorer in the league with only 12 goals from 27 appearances. Robin Van Persie has been sidelined for quite some time now and on-loan striker Radamel Falcao has made an utterly disappointing start to his United career. Falcao has managed only 4 goals in this season’s campaign. The Columbian has never looked like the player he was before his horrific knee injury, only starting one of United’s last six games. He will hope to get a chance to prove his critics wrong in Sunday’s derby.
City’s strikers have also been struggling with form in recent times. Sergio Aguero, who started the season in looking deadly has since struggled in front of goal. New signing Wilfried Bony, has netted only a single goal since his switch from Wales-based club Swansea City. Edin Dzeko and Stevan Jovetic have not been impressive either this season. City have had to bank on their midfielders in recent times to perform. David Silva and Yaya Toure have taken the spotlight recently, with some impressive displays.
Even though both sets of strikers have been struggling recently, you can still expect there to be goals in this one. It is one of those days in Manchester, where form and statistics play no part. Winning is all that matters and it clear that both teams will be giving it their all, right from the get go.
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Manuel Pellegrini and Louis Van Gaal will both be hungry for the three points, as the season enters its climax. With Chelsea not out of sights yet, both the Manchester teams will look to close that gap. It is safe to assume that whichever of the two lose on Sunday, will be bowing out of the title race. A draw would do no good for either of the two as three points is vital and necessary at this stage. Both sets of fans will be extremely nervous. Both sides have a lot to lose and yet so much to gain, making this game seem as a final of some sought. (As if we needed another reason to be excited for this fixture)
Glory, hunger, passion and aggression – that is what we have come to expect out of the Manchester derbies and this match shows no signs of being in any way different. No matter what the result is on Sunday, we can all be well assured of witnessing something extravagant.
Pride is what they play for, points are what they crave for.
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Great content the article gets you charged up for the derby