Manchester United vs. Manchester City- Carling Cup 2nd Leg
27/01/2010
If the average Manchester derby is tense, exciting and unpredictable, how can words possibly describe this occasion? The prize of course is more significant than pride, bragging rights. The winner of this particular scrap is going to Wembley for the Carling Cup final. A formality, United fans might tell you- but at 2-1 down thanks to Carlos Tevez’ brace last Tuesday, the reality is somewhat different. And for City’s long suffering supporters, this might just be the biggest game in a generation. Not just a victory over the hated next door neighbours, nor only a first cup final in 28 years. No. This is the chance to tell the world- “City are back”.
In anticipation of such a big game, the mudslinging has been in full force this week. Gary Neville reckons Carlos Tevez is a waste of money, despite 17 goals in 23 appearances thus far. Carlos Tevez reckons Gary Neville is, and I quote, ‘an absolute boot licker’. Alex Ferguson, meanwhile, reckons City lack the mental strength to see out the tie. In 24 hours, the talking will come to an end and all eyes will be locked to the pitch.
Thanks to their humiliating FA Cup exit to League One’s Leeds at Old Trafford, United faced Hull City in the Premier League at the weekend and, frighteningly, Wayne Rooney bagged four goals without reply. City faced lowly Scunthorpe at Glanford Park, though, and scored four goals of their own- Martin Petrov, Nedum Onuoha, Sylvinho and Robinho sending the Blues through to round five where Stoke City will come to Eastlands hoping to upset the applecart.
Key Players-
Nigel de Jong: The tenacious Dutchman was outstanding in the first leg at Eastlands, and a similar level of performance is needed to see City through. United will look to dominate possession and press forward at every opportunity, but de Jong is perfectly capable of limiting their threat. If he has an off day, however, the Reds will capitalise and dominate.
Carlos Tevez: With 17 goals so far this season, the Argentine hitman has rapidly earned a place in the hearts of City fans everywhere. A brace to win the game last Tuesday only strengthened that bond- should he damage United further on their own patch tomorrow, it might be time to start building the statue.
Wayne Rooney: Four goals on Saturday underlined the scintillating form he’s in this season- City’s defenders did remarkably well to stop him from scoring last week, but at Old Trafford the test only gets harder. Without doubt United’s best player, if Rooney’s influence is stopped it makes the task of overcoming United significantly easier.
Thanks to the Ivory Coast’s exit from the African Cup of Nations, Captain Koló Toure returns to Manchester although the chances of him starting must be slim. Emmanuel Adebayor has returned following the devastating Togo bus shooting, and according to mancityfans.net training expert Douglas Higginbotham, the striker is looking sharp and confident. He may well be involved in some capacity. Meanwhile, Wayne Bridge is in full training after a long lay-off and should be capable of returning to action within two weeks. Patrick Vieira will miss tomorrow’s game but is expected to be fit for the visit of Portsmouth on Sunday. Roque Santa Cruz, Joleon Lescott and Michael Johnson remain sidelined.
For United, Rio Ferdinand returned at the weekend and may well feature, while Alex Ferguson must decide whether to prioritise this encounter or the trip to Arsenal at the weekend- that will determine the involvement of certain key players.
So, for all the argument and speculation, the big moment is only a matter of hours away. When United and City run out onto the Old Trafford pitch, the words will become insignificant- the talking will be done on the pitch. Can a huge statement of intent be made, or will normal service resume?
We’ll soon find out.
Many thanks to Colin the King of ManCityFans.Net for writing this preview