Super-Quick Derby Preview

First, an announcement: I will be live-blogging the all-important (and I do mean all-important!) Manchester derby Saturday from 12:45 (UK)/7:45 (EDT), from a blue but hopefully reasonably fair perspective.

Second, some comments on what is at stake….

A few weeks ago I posted that City’s goal must be to be within two points of Spurs with two matches to play, giving City a chance to overhaul Redknapp’s men in the crucial midweek fixture the last week of the season. Now the goal is to try to establish at least a four point lead prior to that match, so that City would need only a draw in that match to clinch 4th place.

Unfortunately, Tottenham’s rather brilliant victory over Arsenal has made that goal much more difficult to achieve. But City could, if all goes well, open a four point lead by end of the weekend. What is required is a Chelsea victory over Spurs, and a City victory over United on Saturday. That set of events would both put City in the driver’s seat for 4th place and effectively end this year’s title race, in Chelsea’s favor.

Easier said than done, of course. And City fans care not only about the league table, but also getting one over on United.

I will go on a limb here and say that on paper, City * should * be favored to win at home against United. That may be the first time in a very long time one could honestly make that judgment prior to a Manchester derby. But in terms of quality of squad, current form, and confidence, plus the fact City are at home, it’s a reasonable shout. There’s no question City fans will be sorely disappointed with anything less than 3 points.

But I have too much respect for Manchester United’s resolve and spirit to be fully confident that’s what will transpire, especially if they are allowed an early foothold in the game. More than in most matches, City need to try to grab this one by the throat early on. United will be trying to do the same. It should be an enthralling spectacle, the result of which could have major consequences for each club.

Category: Team News