Manchester- Red or Blue?

“If you are not the number 1 team in the city, how can you even aspire to be the number 1 team in the country”, is a common quote during any derby. And although Chelsea are light years ahead of both the Manchester clubs in the race for the number 1 team in England, this can be a season defining match for both teams.

In this corresponding match last season, all the deficiencies in Moyes’ team became apparent for the first time. That day, United got battered in the midfield. But 1 year is a long time. David Silva is out injured. Yaya Toure hasn’t yet hit first gear. And with every game, Mangala is getting a feel of how difficult the English league can be.  Dzeko has also looked a shadow of his former self. In the last 1 week, City has lost to both West Ham and Newscastle. Down on form and confidence, this will be United’s best chance of getting a big result at the Etihad and getting their season back on track.

City have heavily relied on 4 players to win the league(both in 2011-12 and 2013-14)-Aguero, Silva, Yaya Toure and Kompany. And although there have been supporting players, but these 4 are at a different level. When you have 1 of them out injured and the other having a below par season, things are bound to get difficult. But, in Aguero, they have the league’s best striker. And with Navas, Nasri and Jovetic as the supporting cast, they will be a handful against United’s defence.

For United, this has been a stop-start kind of a season. Every time they score a breathtaking goal, they concede a soft goal. But slowly, they seem to be improving. In the last 2 matches, Fellaini has played the best football of his United career. Van Persie had a good game against Chelsea and the 94^th minute equalizer will do his confidence a world of good. Di Maria will be looking to come back to his best after an underwhelming performance against the Blues. And with Rooney coming back, the United attack looks very strong even without Falcao.

But, the defence is where the problem still remains. In Sergio Aguero, United will be facing a true world class forward for the first time this season. And with Rojo and Smalling up against him, don’t be surprised if the striker adds to his already impressive tally of goals this season. In case Jones is passed fit, it will be a huge relief for Van Gaal. Rafael and Shaw have also looked much better going forward rather than defending. Defensively, Blind is also not doing enough to shield the back four. Although he passes the ball very calmly and has a very high pass completion rate, but because he doesn’t have the pace and physical presence, he can be overrun by City’s midfield. This is where Fellaini’s physical presence in the centre of the field will be very important. And with Rooney expected to replace Mata, Blind and Fellaini can also count on their captain to help them win the battle against City’s midfield.

Probable United Starting 11( image courtesy: www.lineupbuilder.com)

It is the wide areas where United can be most devastating. With Januzaz and Di Maria, they have 2 left footed wingers who can also easily switch flanks. The faith shown in Januzaz by Van Gaal will definitely help in his growth as a player. And although not the finished product by any means, he is quality. And with Di Maria on the other flank, they can cause a lot of trouble for City’s back 4. With Rooney playing in the number  10 position and Persie up front, United will fancy putting in a few past Joe Hart.

For United, a win would take them to within 1 point of City and would almost guarantee Chelsea the title. But, a defeat here would cause a huge dent to their top 4 ambitions. Expecting a derby full of goals and a United victory on top of it.