The anticipation is almost over, as United take on their title rivals Manchester City at Eastlands tonight, with the result surely deciding where the Premier League crown ends up.
Having let slip an 8 point lead in recent weeks, all the pressure is on the Reds to maintain their lead at the top, with a defeat allowing City to re-claim top spot on goal difference. The Blues are expected to field an attacking side, with only a win acceptable, and as a result Carlos Tevez is surely in line to start. The ex-United star has had an eventful season, but has returned to form at just the right, after his hat-trick last weekend at Norwich, and alongside fellow countryman Sergio Aguero, he will prove tough to handle.
The debate therefore lies with Sir Alex Ferguson's lineup, with much contemplation over what formation to use. Sitting back and playing for the point is a dangerous game, especially against such a strong attacking force, but over-committing upfront may leave holes in the midfield. Then there is the central midfield options at United's disposal. A game of this magnitude might be screaming out for the experience of Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes, or perhaps the energy of Tom Cleverley, or even the composure of Michael Carrick; another tough dilemma for Fergie.
One thing is for certain, this is a derby day not to be missed.
RDI's Predicted XI
David de Gea; Rafael, Jonny Evans, Rio Ferdinand, Patrice Evra; Antonio Valencia, Paul Scholes, Michael Carrick, Ashley Young; Danny Welbeck, Wayne Rooney.
RDI's Predicted Result
City 1-1 United
Monday, 30 April 2012
Tuesday, 24 April 2012
Thrown it Away?
United never like to do things the easy way, and it seems this season is no different, after the bizarre 4-4 tie with Everton on Sunday at Old Trafford.
The Champions spurned a 3-1 and then 4-2 lead, to allow the visitors a point, and bitter rivals City right back in the hunt for the title. Following the 1-0 defeat at the hands of Wigan, United seemed to have overcome that blip with a comfortable victory over Aston Villa at the Theatre of Dreams last weekend. But the Reds were left red-faced after a late fight back from the Toffees cut United's lead at the top to three points with three games remaining.
Having not conceded at home for nearly two months, the floodgates opened at the back, and despite inventive play upfront from Rooney, Welbeck, Nani and co, the defensive side of the game cost the Red Devils the game.
A routine win for City at newly relegated Wolves set up an unbelievable Manchester Derby on Monday April 30th; a game not to be missed. With the Premier League title on the line, the two heavyweights will clash in a night that will surely decide the destination of the Premiership crown. But will the Reds be the ones who finish victorious?
The Champions spurned a 3-1 and then 4-2 lead, to allow the visitors a point, and bitter rivals City right back in the hunt for the title. Following the 1-0 defeat at the hands of Wigan, United seemed to have overcome that blip with a comfortable victory over Aston Villa at the Theatre of Dreams last weekend. But the Reds were left red-faced after a late fight back from the Toffees cut United's lead at the top to three points with three games remaining.
Having not conceded at home for nearly two months, the floodgates opened at the back, and despite inventive play upfront from Rooney, Welbeck, Nani and co, the defensive side of the game cost the Red Devils the game.
A routine win for City at newly relegated Wolves set up an unbelievable Manchester Derby on Monday April 30th; a game not to be missed. With the Premier League title on the line, the two heavyweights will clash in a night that will surely decide the destination of the Premiership crown. But will the Reds be the ones who finish victorious?
Monday, 2 April 2012
Title in the Bag?
United's title hopes were given a further boost, as bitter rivals Manchester City dropped points at home to leave the Reds 2 points ahead with a game in hand.
After drawn at Stoke last week 1-1, followed by United's 1-0 victory over Fulham, The reigning champions started the weekend 3 points clear with the expectation of facing Blackburn on Monday night level on points with the Blues. However, it was another disappointing for Roberto Mancini's side as a lacklustre performance saw them drop points at home for the first time this season.
It could have been worse than just a draw for the home side, who were 3-1 down with just 5 minutes remaining, after two goals from Sebastian Larsson and one for Nicklas Bendtner put Sunderland in the driving seat. City seemed at breaking point when Mario Balotelli and Aleksandar Kolarov clashed over who to take a free kick.
Despite this, the Blues managed to pull it back, with Balotelli and Kolarov making it all square very late on. Now attention turns to Ewood Park as United take on Blackburn, with the Champions looking to make the most of their title contender's slip up with a victory, which would send them a commanding 5 points clear. To add to City's woes, they face a strong Arsenal at the Emirates next weekend, and with United at home to QPR, they could find themselves 8 points behind, with any title ambitions destroyed for another season.
After drawn at Stoke last week 1-1, followed by United's 1-0 victory over Fulham, The reigning champions started the weekend 3 points clear with the expectation of facing Blackburn on Monday night level on points with the Blues. However, it was another disappointing for Roberto Mancini's side as a lacklustre performance saw them drop points at home for the first time this season.
It could have been worse than just a draw for the home side, who were 3-1 down with just 5 minutes remaining, after two goals from Sebastian Larsson and one for Nicklas Bendtner put Sunderland in the driving seat. City seemed at breaking point when Mario Balotelli and Aleksandar Kolarov clashed over who to take a free kick.
Despite this, the Blues managed to pull it back, with Balotelli and Kolarov making it all square very late on. Now attention turns to Ewood Park as United take on Blackburn, with the Champions looking to make the most of their title contender's slip up with a victory, which would send them a commanding 5 points clear. To add to City's woes, they face a strong Arsenal at the Emirates next weekend, and with United at home to QPR, they could find themselves 8 points behind, with any title ambitions destroyed for another season.
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