English Premier League Match Preview
Having seen their bitter rivals leapfrog them in the Premier League table, Manchester City will have to do one thing which they haven’t done all season: to go for the kill. After recurring defeats at the hands of Liverpool and Burnley which have seen their title chances derailed, Manchester City will be hoping for a change in fortunes when they will travel to Old Trafford.
Talking about Manchester United and although football is a game of two halves, the Red devils – much to the amusement of their fans, seemed to have understood the gravity of the situation in the last few months.
While they were the in-form team even before that, wins against Tottenham and Liverpool have earned them back the fear factor. And with nowhere to go but above, the Red devils – for the first time in 4 years, will be going into the derby as favorites.
Team News
Having seen 5 wins out of the last 5, Manchester United have nothing to fear when it comes to their form of late. Thus, while the injury to main man Van Persie would have mitigated the sleep of Van Gaal at any other point of this season, Van Gaal could afford to sideline the Dutchman all by himself now. While Van Persie labelled himself fit for the derby, his boss wasn’t of the same opinion as he reasoned match fitness for his absence.
Apart from Van Persie whose absence is questionable, Luke Shaw would be the only notable absentee for the Red devils. With his hamstring injury still taking its toll from the Englishman, Shaw might return to action as early as next week.
Talking about Manchester City and although their form has declined of late, it has nothing to do with the injury factor. With only 2 players injured – Jovetic and Boyata – none of which belong in the first team, Manchester City might field the same 11 that had to cut a sorry figure at Turf Moor on Monday.
One concern for the Citizens would be the fitness of the Ivorian Wilfried Bony. With an ankle injury that kept him out of the starting 11 still intact, Bony is a doubt for this fixture.
Stats
• Coming into this match Manchester United have lost 4 games against Manchester City in a row, they have never lost 5 on a trot against the Citizens in their entire history.
• If they can get a victory, Manchester City would be the first team in Premier League history to get 5 wins in a row against Manchester United.
• Sergio Aguero hasn’t scored a Premier League goal in the last 5 matches. His last goal for City came on February 21 against Newcastle United.
• Wayne Rooney has scored the most number of goals that any player has managed in the history of this fixture (12).
• Now serving as an assistant manager, Ryan Giggs have made the most number of appearances that any player has managed in this fixture.
Probable lineups:
Manchester United
De Gea – Jones – Smalling – Valencia – Blind – Young – Herrera – Mata – Fellaini – Rooney – Carrick
Manchester City
Hart – Zabaleta – DeMichellis – Kompany – Clichy – Toure – Fernandinho – Navas – Milner – Aguero – Dzeko
Manchester United Vs Manchester City will take place at the Old Trafford Stadium on Sunday, 12th April.
Manchester United Vs Manchester City: Probable lineups, Stats, Team News
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