Manchester United vs Manchester City 13.30pm Premier League match 10th May Anyone who watched the Red Devils demolish Arsenal on Tuesday night would be unlikely to bet against them doing the same against their local rivals. As well as all the emotions associated with the derby, this fixture is viewed as a bit of a grudge match by the United team due to losing to Manchester City both home and away last season. After beating City at Eastlands earlier this season, United undoubtedly want to do the same this year.
The spectacular Champions’ League result aside, Manchester United are in excellent form. Since losing two games in a row in March, they've won eight and drawn one in all competitions. In their last 5 games, all of which resulted in victory, Manchester United have have netted 13 goals.
Manchester City fans will point to the fact that they are also in form at the moment, having won three on the bounce. Victories over West Ham, Everton and Blackburn have left City in contention for possible entry into the Europa League. These fans will also be hoping that Robinho will demonstrate at Old Trafford the excellent form he is capable of. However as Tuesday showed, an in-form Manchester United has the ability to wipe the floor with even the best of teams. Mark Hughes’ best hope therefore is that with three big games in less than a week and with the Champions League final beckoning, Ferguson may want to rest some of his bigger names to minimise chances of injury. It is also worth noting, that although this would be anathema to the United fans, the Red Devils could look to play for a draw as they only need seven points from twelve to retain the Premiership title.
In terms of squad, Gary Neville has recovered from the foot injury that has kept him out for a month. Wes Brown (foot) is however out for the season, while Carlos Tevez, Dimitar Berbatov and Paul Scholes are available and hoping to start. For City, midfielder Shaun-Wright Phillips could miss out (ankle) although Pablo Zabaleta looks to have recoved from his hamstring injury.
It is difficult to see Man United not winning this with a thumping of City. Whilst considering the pace and skill of United’s squad, Mark Hughes’ words are correct but seem particularly understated "You have to work very hard if you want to beat United and your goalkeeper usually has to play very well.” This is however the Premiership and anything could happen!
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