Official: Man City [vs] Man Utd

Like someone mentioned above.....This is the BIG ONE!

This will make or break our season, IMO. We win this one and the guys will believe that we can catch up to Chelsea......we lose and we are effectively out of the title race with the trophy heading for the Bridge cabinet.

Our record against City has been anything but good in recent times. Though we should have buried them at OT earlier in the season but Sh!tty has this nagging habit of getting results against us. I would also go with the formation put out by vedz. Rooney should start upfront while Saha can come off the bench if extra firepower is needed later on. The trio of Giggs-Rooney-Ronaldo gives us tremendous fluidity up front and plenty of pace to play with. Their interchanging play also baffles most of the opposing defenders and makes them very hard to mark.

At the back I'd like to see Fergie sticking with the Rio-Brown partnership cause it looked solid against the Brummies. However, Micky will most probably return and slot in alongside Rio. It's really in midfield where the game will be decided, as so very often in United games. Either Keano or Fletch has to keep a very close watch over the movement of SWP. he represents the biggest threat from the City side though Siebierski and Distin are also threats from set-pieces.

The players should definitely be up for it and will be aware that we cannot afford to slip-up in this game or else we can kiss the title goodbye. We have been playing some promising, controlled football in recent times and hopefully we can repeat that on sunday as well to get the vital 3 points.

Bad news, Keegan is thinking of playing McManaman My line-up would be:

--------James
Onuoha--Dunne--Distin--Thatcher
Flood--SWP--Barton--Musampa
-------Macken--Fowler

However, Keggy looks set to play:

----James
Mills--Dunne--Distin--Thatcher
SWP--Macca-Barton--Musampa
-----Sibi
---------Fowler

~ The Green ne

Prem Preview : Man City-Man United

The Manchester Derby takes centre stage in this week’s Premiership programme.

BACKGROUND
Manchester City did their near neighbours a huge favour last week with a 0-0 draw at Stamford Bridge. They will certainly want to continue in the same vein and ensure that they can deal Sir Alex’s men a similar blow.

Man United for their part know the importance of the game. They have failed to perform in the Manchester derby in recent years, most notably in the away tie. Last seasons thrashing was humiliating and indicative of the nature of their season.

They must ensure that they put aside any thoughts of the title, and play the game. Manchester City have already stated their desire to keep any anti- Glazer protests from the United fans away from the game, and the players must ensure that they ignore any outside influences in the build up.

Both managers will be desperate to get the better of the other. The 0-0 draw at Old Trafford earlier this season was a one sided affair, but the result was far more disappointing for the team in red. If United are to keep the pressure on at the top they must win this match.

Keegan for his part, will want to stock up on good memories as his career winds down. He is supposedly staying for at least another season, but it is very possible that he could be on his way at the end of this.


CURRENT FORM :
Man United : WWLWWW
United’s form has been excellent, but the old derby clichés suggests that has no baring here. They are however the confident side and will expect to win the match.

Man City : DLWLDD
City’s confidence would have swelled after shutting out Chelsea. Good results against the likes of Arsenal in recent months show they have abilities.

TEAM NEWS
Man United : Ronaldo is likely to miss the game after being injured by Damien Duff on international duty. Ferdinand and Giggs are fit, Silvestre is suspended.

Man City : Mcmanaman is likely to come in for the suspended Bosvelt, otherwise the same team as drew with Chelsea.

PLAYER TO WATCH:
Man United : Roy Keane
Keane’s performances have been excellent this season. His tenacity and example should ensure that United keep a good tempo and don’t allow their level to drop. Important that he dominates in the derby atmosphere.

Man City: Robbie Fowler
Fowler’s dislike of United is evident, and he will put every effort into ensuring that they don’t get the three points. Playing a lone role upfront, will be City’s only danger.

PROBABLE XI’s:
Man United : Carroll, G Neville, Ferdinand, Brown, Heinze, Scholes, O’Shea, Keane, Giggs, Rooney, Saha
Subs : Howard, P Neville, Fortune, Miller, Bellion

Man City : James, Mills, Dunne, Distin, Thatcher, Sibierski, Mcmanaman, Musampa, Barton, S Wright-Phillips, Fowler
Subs : Weaver, Onouha, Macken, B Wright-Phillips, Jordan

Prediction :
City didn’t manage a shot on target in drawing 0-0 at Old Trafford, and although at home, expect a similar sort of match. United are dominant at the moment and are unlikely to suffer the same sort of performance as last season. They need the points in the title race and will get them.

City 0-2 United :thmbup: Good stuff Mr.Webber!