Match number 166 will be played out at the Etihad stadium between two of the best teams in the English top flight and city rivals. Manchester City are coming off the back of a very impressive European outing v Plzen in Czech Republic. The Doosan Arena witnessed one of the best goals ever. A sweetly struck curling effort from far out by Africa's current best footballer, Yaya Toure. Something truly special even by his high standards. That was the peak of the goals scored that night. The Ivorian's three goals this season have been simply breathtaking and he has more in his locker. Coach Manuel Pellegrini is learning the hard way in the Premier League after four games. Stoke could have won at the Weekend but for some inexplicably poor finishing by the likes of Jon Walters. The Chilean will however be buoyed by the fact that the Champions League campaign has got on to a flying start as they seek to slug it out with Bayern Munich for first place in Group D. Interestingly, the Bavarians are the next opponents on Match day two and it is billed to be a truly mind blowing encounter.. Etihad will be rocking that night.
Manchester United have turned things around in recent days. After the insipid showing at Anfield, the red devils have bounced back in vintage United style, claiming victories over Palace (in the League) and Sami Hyypia's Leverkusen (UCL0 in midweek. The major talking point is Wayne Rooney who claimed three goals in two matches and joined the elite 200-club for the English league Champions. Only Jacky Rowley (211), Denis Law (237) and Sir Bobby Charlton (249) have scored more for the Glazer(s) owned outfit. At this rate, no one would bet against him to at least match the goal scoring feat of the peerless Law this season. Donning his protective headband, the 27 year old superstar has shone like a million stars in consecutive matches this term and he's been all about threes. 3 goals, 3 assists, 3 MOTM awards already have gone a long way to assuage the fears of supporters that he has his heart set on the success of the club at least until his brain skips again. It is the best decision the United board ever took to keep hold of the talismanic footballer, rather than ship him off to Stamford Bridge which would have meant handing over the Championship status and badge to Chelsea. Despite an unbelievable miss on Tuesday night, it did little to spoil the night that was all set for him as soon as Donati and Spahic got entangled together, trying to defend a De Gea pull out..allowing the no 10 to send a great shot past Leno for his landmark goal. Robin Van Persie also missed a sitter when it was far easier to score. Although, his right foot volley when the ball was behind him, ensured that he was among the goals on Moyes' first Champions League night as Manager of Manchester United.
City won the last meeting between the two at the tail end of last season. The win was meaningless with regards to where the title was headed, but it was a slap on Manchester United's face. Kun Aguero held off several challenges to bury a thumping finish past David de Gea just as the match was seemingly going to end in a 1-all draw. It was the perfect revenge for MUFC's last gasp victory over the so-called noisy neighbours last December. RVP experienced what it meant to score in a Manchester Derby that faithful day. It was his free-kick deep into added time that secured the all important three points for the red part of Manchester after letting a 2-goal lead slip through their fingers. There have been some truly spectacular games and City have trounced their more illustrious foes 6-1 as recently as two years ago. There have been comebacks, red cards, feisty times and a lot of words exchanged. Welcome to the 166th INSTALLMENT OF THE MANCHESTER DERBY.
It draws a lot of attention and followers all over the World as it is widely believed that United are the most supported club in the whole Universe with a fan base of over 350 million. The 2010-11 F.A Cup Semi Final (Settled by a Yaya Toure goal) was said to have been watched by over 10 million people from around the World. A record. Since the first meeting in 1881 when they were called West Gorton and Newton Heat respectively, they have fought hard and tough for supremacy and the war has waged on for 132 years and counting. Manchester United have the upper hand with 69 wins to City's 46 and there have been 50 stalemates. The bad blood that exists between the two went up a notch in the 1973/74 season when United Legend, Denis Law (then playing for City) scored a beautiful backheel past Alex Stepney to condemn his old club to relegation. Results elsewhere meant that even a United win wouldn't have been enough to save their top flight status, but that Law goal from a Francis Lee assist will never be forgotten.
Joe Hayes and Francis Lee have both scored 10 goals for City against United in Derby meetings. Wayne Rooney can break another record on Sunday, if he scores at the Etihad. Any type of goal from him will make him the outright top scorer in Manchester Derbies as he is currently tied on ten with the two City greats. The retired Ginger Maestro, Paul Scholes, got seven. Last season's Caretaker boss/Current joint assistant manager and United/City Legend, Brian Kidd also scored eight goals turning out for both clubs. Sir Bobby with nine was United's highest goal scorer in derbies until a certain Wayne Rooney came along and stole the show. 50 more Manchester United goals and all Charlton's records with the red devils would have been broken. Giggs has since destroyed his appearance record and the Welshman's might take forever to eclipse. The evergreen Giggs has appeared in more Manchester Derbies than any other footballer alive or dead. Another on Sunday and it will be the 37th time.
PREDICTED LINEUPS-
MANCHESTER UNITED-
DDG, Rafa, Vidic, Evans/Rio, Evra, Fellaini, Carrick, Valencia, Giggs, Rooney, RVP
Barring any last minute mishap (we hope not), most of this players (if not all) should feature from the off. TonyV has rediscovered that form that made him so special in the 09-10 season. More of that and United might as well be coasting home to victory come Sunday. We know that the last two matches the R-R duo have played has resulted in 5 goals and a quality assist. No one would dare bet against one or both continuing that streak on Sunday. Rio should be rested. He made a few mistakes on Tuesday night and has a bad back. Evans may be called upon. Kagawa might have to make do with a place on the subs bench with the Old head, Ryan Giggs coming in. The Japanese has company. Teenage sensation, Adnan Januzaj is set o be part of the Squad after an excellent cameo last time out. However, the continued absence of Zaha worries a few. Nani should be back for the game.
MANCHESTER CITY-
Hart, Zabaleta, Kompany, Nastasic, Kolarov, Fernandinho, Toure, Nasri, Navas, Dzeko/Negredo, Aguero
The game might be too early for the incomparable David Silva who has under performed in recent seasons, but still carries a huge threat. The very expensive City line-up has quality written all over it. From emerging talents to World class campaigners. Pellegrini is a lucky bloke.
Both managers are going to take part in their first ever Manchester Derby and none would want to remember it as a losing start. They are expected to go for it with all that they have. It might boil down to tactical acumen and/or individual brilliance at last. Who else cannot wait for SUNDAY?
Ohireime P Eboreime
Twitter-@ohiskaka1990
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