Huge Manchester derby at the Etihad
CosminIftode / Shutterstock.com
The first Premier League Manchester derby of the season was billed as a massive match, as Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho renewed their rivalry. However, that game pales into insignificance when compared to the meeting between the two teams on Thursday night.
Both Manchester City and Manchester United had eyes on the Premier League title before a ball was kicked this season. Things haven’t turned out quite as planned for both clubs and they now face a battle to secure a place in the top four and next seasons Champions League.
Manchester City come into this match sitting fourth in the Premier League, 11 point off league leaders Chelsea but just 2 points behind third place Liverpool. It would take a catastrophic collapse from both Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur for Manchester City to finish any higher than third this season.
The same applies for Manchester United, who are 1 point behind Manchester City in fifth place in the league. Liverpool’s defeat to Crystal Palace on Sunday means Manchester United can also finish in third place but need to win this game if they are to stand any chance of climbing above Liverpool in the table.
Trends show Manchester City have won only two of their last seven matches in all competitions. The extra-time defeat to Arsenal at Wembley last weekend means Guardiola will be finishing this season without a trophy. Form in the Premier League has improved in the last couple of weeks, having previously gone four games without a win.
Home form in the Premier League this season has been solid if not spectacular under Guardiola. Manchester City have lost just one match at the Etihad in the Premier League, which was a 3-1 defeat to Chelsea. However, the Citizens have dropped points at home by drawing with Everton, Southampton, Middlesbrough, Tottenham Hotspur, Stoke City and Liverpool.
Manchester United make the short trip across the city with an unbeaten record to defend. Statistical trends show Manchester United haven’t lost any of their previous twenty-three Premier League games and this run has been enough to see them close in on the possibility of finishing third this season.
Away from home Mourinho’s men have been superb of late, winning eight and drawing two of their last ten away Premier League games. In addition, the Red Devils have only conceded 5 goals in those ten games, while scoring 22 goals themselves. Mourinho seems to have found a way to get his team playing on the road this season.
One issue Manchester United must contend with is injury problems. Chris Smalling, Phil Jones, Juan Mata, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Marcos Rojo are all out injured. Paul Pogba, Antonio Valencia and Ander Herrera are rated as doubtful. Ilkay Gundogan remains on the treatment table for Manchester City, who also have doubts over Fernandinho, Sergio Aguero, Bacary Sagna, John Stones and David Silva.
Whoever takes the field for this game knows how much is at stake. Despite Manchester City being tough to beat at home this season, Manchester United have the momentum and could come away with a crucial victory in the pursuit of a top four place.
Home
Football 
Basketball
Hockey
American Football
Baseball
Rugby
Volleyball
Handball
Esoccer
