Top spot in the English Premier League will be at stake in today’s Manchester derby, but leaders Manchester United and champions Manchester City are both still to hit their stride this season.
The two teams are threatening to leave third-place Chelsea trailing in their wake, and yet a glance at the league table reveals that all is not well at either Old Trafford or the Etihad Stadium. United, who lead City by three points, have already been beaten by Everton, Tottenham Hotspur and Norwich City, and have shipped 21 goals in 15 games — more at this stage of the campaign than in any season since 2001-02. And while City boast the last unbeaten record in English league football, they have drawn six times and were eliminated from all European competition on Tuesday after losing 1-0 at Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League.
United midfielder Ryan Giggs believes that today’s encounter could have significant ramifications for the title race again.
“We have found over the last couple of years that the derby, with the money City have spent and the quality they have brought in, has got bigger and bigger,” said Giggs. “The two games against them were the difference last season. Hopefully we can get the right result and that will be the difference come the end of this season.”
United midfielder Tom Cleverley will undergo a scan on a calf injury to find out if he will be fit to play, but wingers Antonio Valencia and Nani are both out as is midfielder Anderson. Nemanja Vidic and Shinji Kagawa are doubtful.
Mancini hopes to be able to recall Spanish midfielder David Silva after a hamstring injury. James Milner and Gael Clichy could also be in contention, but Aleksandar Kolarov has been ruled out with an ankle problem.
West Ham host Liverpool
Meanwhile, high-flying West Ham will play Liverpool, who will be without star striker Luis Suarez (suspension) and manager Brendan Rodgers believes he has the players who could step up to the plate.
“It’s an opportunity for probably one of the young players,” said Rodgers. “What we have to do is make more of the chances and get more goals. There are enough scorers who can score and that’s something that we will look forward to at West Ham.”
Meanwhile, today’s games will also see Everton clash with Tottenham at Goodison Park. Both teams would be hoping to break into the top four with a win in the crunch tie.
Tottenham will be without in-form forward Gareth Bale (hamstring) while Everton are missing Phil Neville (knee), Kevin Mirallas (hamstring) and Victor Anichebe (hamstring).
Published in The Express Tribune, December 9th, 2012.
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