Another Manchester Derby…
There is a special something about games against Manchester United. Local rivalries are ignited in the run up to the game. The silly season in the press with stories appearing planted like low hanging fruits for lazy journalists to pluck.
Today the tabloids say Pogba and Sanchez may be out of the game injured. We have seen this kind of tactic every derby game I can remember. We know they will be fit to play!
Manchester City arrive at the match in good form. But against Manchester United form will probably count for nothing.
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I used to really like when we played the derby games because it always felt like we had an opportunity to upset Manchester United. We were often so far behind them but on derby day we had a chance to cause an upset.
Now the tables are reversed and Manchester United are in the position where the weight of expectation is not pressing them back. This game is all about Manchester City. Are they good enough to weather the doubtless physical aggression and strength of United or will they wilt under the mass like last time out?
This is likely to be a game of contrasting styles. Where Mourinho will want his ego to be the star even if his team isn’t. This is the game where he will patrol the touchline, winding up the crowd and probably even poking any eyes he can reach on the City bench.
The after match press conference will be all about Mourinho calling out City for having no class, regardless of what happens. So, let’s hope Ederson gets to bounce some milk off Mourinhos head again and we get to celebrate loudly.
Whilst a loss for City would not be disastrous, a win would really seal the momentum going into the international break. To all the challengers we would seem unassailable at that point. The stakes are high.
Manchester City have a side supplemented by players on their way back to full match fitness. Many of this team have played consistently in recent weeks, and it’s likely Guardiola will seek one last push from them.
Realistically I suspect the Manchester City team and formation will pick itself. The only headache being at attacking midfield where there is a straight choice between Sane and Mahrez.
I believe we will take the game to them from the off so it’s down to us and the referee, an appointment the fans are not happy with believing him to favour United, given he comes from a family of Manchester United supporters.
I am not going to dwell on United’s line up. It doesn’t matter, it won’t change the way they play. All of their players will dwarf ours, making us look like a team of hobbits.
The best we can hope for is for the game to be decided by our skill and not a poor decision from the referee. It’s in our hands and I expect a comfortable win.
Predicted XI
Ederson
Walker Stones Laporte Mendy
Silva Fernandinho Bernardo
Sane Aguero Sterling