The Big Derby

The Manchester Derby has always been one of the most exciting games of the premier league.  It has always been a mouth watering fixtures when these two clubs who are just 5 miles away from each other go head to head. United had the edge over City for most of the years but now it looks like City always puts up a challenge for United, there has been a total of 168 competitive meets between the teams with Manchester United winning 69 and Manchester City 49 and rest 50 games finishing as a draw. The match will take place on 12^th April 2015 at 15:00(GMT).

Lets have a quick analysis over who has the better edge of winning this derby:-

Form

Manchester United had a very shaky start to the season with their new manager Louis Van Gaal. The Dutchman was questioned by the fans and the media over his philosophy and the team selection, but after the winter break a whole new Manchester United emerged which leapfrogged Manchester City last week. United’s form has been impeccable with 5 consecutive wins whereas City has faced a huge dip in their form and with each game passing by City is struggling to hold their position. City has lost thrice and won twice in their last 5 fixtures. Confidence is definitely going to play a very important role in this match and both United and City players will need to show their class to overcome each other.

Home Advantage

The cheering, the booing and the singing of clubs anthem really gives you the thrill. Though the players should not get affected by this but it does play a very important role, and the atmosphere at The Old Trafford will be at its peak when these two Clubs collide. Both sets of fans can been seen in the stadium and when the club is winning and performing the fans cheer from their heart for the club and that gives the player an adrenaline rush. So home advantage will definitely play a very important role during the match. But then you can even see plenty of Manchester City fans, so lets see who which set of fans cheers the most.

Team Balance

With 7 games remaining it looks like LVG has finally  found his perfect team and the perfect formation playing 4-1-4-1 is definitely suiting the players style and United players are able to create the perfect balance with having much of possession and creating scoring chances from time to time. Manchester City have the best players in the premier and they proved it by winning the league title last season, though City hasn’t had a fixed formation this season but im guessing they will be playing a 4-4-2 formation with their top scorer Sergio Aguero and Edin Dzeko playing upfront.

Manager’s Confidence

When your manager is confident the team builds up a confidence on its own and in a recent interview LVG warned Manchester City that its time when United retain its top position, such confidence is going to play a vital role. Manuel Pelligrini needs to stay confident despite City’s recent bad performance and he can heat up the things at Old Trafford if City gets the first goal.

Some stats you should know

• Manchester United have lost their last 4 league games against Manchester City.
• Sergio Agüero has scored 4 goals in his last 3 premier league matches against Manchester United.
• The Red Devils have scored 11 goals in their last three home matches against City.
• All four of Edin Dzeko’s goals have been scored at Old Trafford.

As Louis Van Gaal looks for his first Manchester Derby win, Manuel Pellegrini is in desperate need to capture this victory to retain their hope for the top 4 spot. Do watch this exciting fixture, the battle between the two Manchester giants.

Predicted lineup-

Manchester United- David De Gea, Valencia, Phil Jones, Chris Smalling, Daley Blind, Carrick, Juan Mata,Ander Herrera, Fellaini, Ashley Young, Rooney

Manchester City- Joe Hart,Zabaleta, Vincent Kompany, Martin Demichellis, Kolarov, Yaya Touré, Fernandinho, James Milner, David Silva, Sergio Agüero, Edin Dzeko