Preview: Manchester United v Manchester City

The day is finally upon is. Manchester United face Manchester City in what is billed as one of the most important derby matches for decades. The media hype surrounding the tie started when the draw was made and it will build to a climax tonight as we prepare for the all important second leg with City bringing with them the 2-1 advantage that they were so fortunate to receive from the first leg.

For Manchester United it’s a chance to show their noisy neighbours that they’re still the top dogs in Manchester, despite the huge sums of money spent this Summer. The added value of a win will also mean another year is added onto the famous banner in the Stretford End that records the number of years since City last won a trophy.

For City, this is simply their biggest game for decades. Not only is it against their biggest rivals, but it could symbolize a turning of the tide in Manchester. It could send a message that City are finally on their way to glory and become a stepping stone to greater things. When Manchester United won the Carling Cup in 2005, they got a taste of success and have dominated the league since. A win for City against the Champions tonight and against Aston Villa in the final could be the springboard that City need to mount a serious title challenge next season.

The online bookies all seem to be favouring the home side tonight, but events in the first leg could carry some passion into the second leg, meaning it won’t be an easy task for United.

City will be expected to play a big part in the outcome of tonight’s game, but while reading a thread on a betting forum earlier today I realized just how poor their away form has been recently. They conceded 3 goals at both Bolton and Tottenham. Conceded 2 more at Everton and another 2 at Scunthorpe, albeit in a 4-2 win.

The stats suggest their defence is there for the taking, but do United have what it takes to carve it open? In Wayne Rooney I believe they do. The England striker is in the form of his life at the moment and currently sits atop the Premier league goalscoring chart with 19 goals to his name. After pledging his future to United following recent speculation about his future, he’ll be eager to put in a performance tonight that will turn the tie back in United’s favour.

But as the saying goes, form goes out of the window when derby day comes around, so we’re sure to be in for a few twists and turns once Howard Webb blows the whistle at 8pm tonight.

City will no doubt sit back on their slender advantage and play on the counter attack, with United dominating possession as they did in the first leg. The game hinges on United’s ability to turn their possession into goals while at the same time dealing with City’s counter attacking tactics. Rio Ferdinand will bring some experience to the defence and be a leader from the back, while Rooney will work his socks off up front trying to create and score goals. If United can break through City’s defence early it will either be a very comfortable evening for the reds or turn into a very entertaining derby with end to end action. My money is on the latter.

What will the final score be?

Leave your predictions in the comments.

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