Match Preview: Man United vs Man City

Match Preview: Man United vs Man City

Manchester United’s date with City at Old Trafford on Sunday is a mouth watering prospect for the world of football. The current champions vs the former champions. The most successful Premier League club vs their noisy neighbours. 3rd vs 4th.

In recent times it’s been Manchester City who have walked away victorious. However for the first time in longer than I care to remember, it’ll be Manchester United who go into the derby as favourites.

Manchester City’s poor run of form has seen them slip from title contenders to fighting to reach the top 4. Whereas United’s fortunes have taken an incredible turn, as their current form shows, it’s now 5 straight wins for United.


Should Pellegrini lose the derby, and fall 4 points behind United, the question on on everyone’s lips will be whether he will keep his job. It’s a vital game for the Chilean. Whereas a loss for Louis van Gaal’s men would mean City leap frogging them and pushing them back into 4th, close to top 4 rivals Liverpool. Not dangerously close, but close enough for fans to get a little nervy.

United’s fine run of form has convinced many that they will overcome City this Sunday. Herrera and Mata’s recent performances have earned them many plaudits whereas various City stars have had the storm clouds raining on them for an awfully long time.

In terms of the United team to play City. I can see LvG going pretty much unchanged from the side that beat Villa last week. Blind will almost certainly start at LB, Herrera and Carrick down the middle with Fellaini further forward. The only real dilemma for LvG will be Angél Di Maria. Should he start? Mata playing on the right seems to be working well, and who would’ve thought you’d hear a United fan say this, but Ashley Young has been one of United’s best players this season – surely he can’t budge for Di Maria.

All in all, it’s been quite an amazing turn around for both clubs. However, in football, form counts for nothing, especially in a derby match.

Manchester City should not be looked down on come Sunday, after all, this is a side who not so long ago came to Old Trafford and walked away 6-1 winners.