Manchester City: Manchester derby by numbers

The day is finally here when we can all finally get the Manchester derby over and done with. For some, it is exciting to see the top two clubs in the country go head to head. The defensive mind of Mourinho against the attacking one of Pep.

For me though, it is just another game. It is a chance to extend the lead at the top of the table by eleven points, sure, but it is nothing more than that. In the grand scheme of things this will not win City the title, nor lose it for United, and that is where the hype takes over.

Marketing it as a must win for Mourinho and United is nonsense. Yes, losing would see them fall further behind in the chase for the title, but would a draw be so bad for them? I think not. And even with a loss, as a City fan remembering decades past, do we really think we can start to celebrate so early?

That may sound like I am preparing myself for a disappointing result for the blues. I can assure you that isn’t the case. Unlike most seasons I think confidence in being able to win any one game on its own is not for question. My thoughts come from a place of pragmatism, and a draw keeping United at arm’s length would still be a good result. But what do the stats say?