mancityfans.net

History

The Manchester Derby! One of the biggest matches on the Premier League calendar. City haven’t managed to win at Old Trafford since the incarnation of the Premier League but came away with a well deserved point last season, thanks to Joey Barton’s late equaliser. In recent years, City have had the edge over their fiercest rivals but United’s quality should never be under estimated.

Injuries

City
D Mills – Stress Fracture of the Shin – Will be out until the New Year.
S Jihai – Hamstring – Long-term injury.

United
O Solskjaer – Hamstring – Doubtful.
P Ji-Sung – Torn Ligaments – Unlikely to be risked.

Team News

Stuart Pearce looks likely to stick with the same side that claimed a point against Watford on Monday night. If a change were to be made, it is likely to see Georgios Samaras drop to the bench, with Darius Vassell taking his place alongside Bernado Corradi, and the inclusion of either DaMarcus Beasley or Trevor Sinclair on the left hand side. Dietmar Hamann and Ousmane Dabo are both pushing for a recall in midfield, but Claudio Reyna looks set to continue alongside Joey Barton.

Last Match

City – 0-0 Watford. A game played in poor conditions against a team who worked their socks off for 90 minutes, Monday proved to be another case of ‘after the lord mayors show’, following the win at Aston Villa. City were out battled and out muscled, despite having a lot more quality in their ranks. A disappointment.

United – 2-1 at Middlesbrough. A comfortable display from the Red’s saw Boro brushed aside. United overpowered their opponents with an excellent display of passing. A questionable penalty also helped their cause.

Premiership Form

Last 5 games

City – Draw, Won, Loss, Won Draw – 8 points from 15.

United – Won, Won, Draw, Won, Won – 13 points from 15.

Opposition Star Man

Cristiano Ronaldo – World-class winger with dazzling skills who can win matches on his own. He’s been in excellent form this season and is the man the Blues will have to keep a watchful eye on. Always a threat in and around the box as he has a tendency to go over a leg rather easily.

Prediction

There’s no question that United possess the most quality within their ranks. They are on top of the Premier League and have been in imperious form all season. But derby day is a whole different ball game. These are the games where average players can step up to give the performance of a lifetime. Tactically, Stuart Pearce will also have to be at the top of his game. City will come out all guns blazing no doubt and must outwork their opponents, especially in midfield, if they are to get something out of the game. Sadly though, I’m finding it hard to see anything but a home win. Hope I’m wrong!

United 2 City 0

Thanks to Grob for this preview.

You can discuss all things City in the ManCityFans.Net FORUM

     

 History

This will be the first visit to the COMS for Watford and the first time the 2 clubs have met in the Premier League. The last time City took on Watford was in 2002 at Vicarage Road with City picking up a 2-1 victory to help galvanise their promotion charge from the First Division, as it was then know, back to the Premiership.

Injuries

Man City

T Sinclair – Knee – Doubtful.
D Beasley – Ankle – Doubtful.
O Dabo – Knee – Doubtful.
D Mills – Stress Fracture of the Shin – will be out until the New Year.
S Jihai – Hamstring – Long-term injury.

Watford

M King – Knee – Out for the season
C Carlisle – Thigh – Long term injury

Team News

City look set to stick with the side that disposed of Aston Villa during the week to earn the Blues their first away win of the season. After seeing his side put on their most convincing performance of the campaign, Stuart Pearce will be hoping for the same again against a struggling Watford team. There s a possibility of changes on the bench, with DaMarcus Beasley and Ousmane Dabo coming back into contention after injury. Neither is expected to be fit enough to start however.

Last Match

City – 3-1 at Aston Villa. City’s first away win of the season capped off a superb display at Villa Park. Distin, Barton and Vassell caused the home side problems all night long with Distin slotting home a contender for goal of the season.

Watford – 0-1 Sheffield United. A poor display from the Hornets saw them defeated by their fellow relegation candidates. Aidy Boothroyd will be hoping for a grittier display from his side after what can only be described as a lack lustre effort last time out.

Premiership form

Last 5 games

City – Won, Loss, Draw, Won, Won – 10 points from 15.

Watford– Draw, Won, Loss, Loss, Loss – 4 points from 15.

Opposition Star Man

Ashley Young – Quicksilver winger with an eye for goal. Has impressed so far this season and if Watford do go down come May, expect many Premiership clubs to attempt to keep him in the top tier of English football. Maybe even Manchester City included.

 

Prediction

With City in good form at the moment and Watford having lost their last 3 games, a home win looks a safe bet. But with Manchester City, you usually get inconsistency so anything could happen!

City 1 Watford 0

 

Thanks to Grob for this preview

You can discuss all things City in our ManCityFans.net Forum