MCFC 2012/2013: Manchester United v Manchester City

DATE: 08/04/13

KICK OFF: 20.00pm

VENUE: Old Trafford

PREDICTION: 0-1

Preview

It's Derby Day; and although league positions won't be affected by Monday night's tie, pride definitely will be.

Every City fan will remember the outcome of this tie last season.

Sergio Aguero's derby debut goal, Fergie's face and ofcourse, Mario Balotelli's famous 'Why Always Me?' tee all starred in the 1-6 drama at Old Trafford in City's 2011-2012 Championship winning season.

However, the Red Devils have bitten back this year and look down on Mancini's men from 15 points above. This year's Old Trafford away day is certainly a battle of pride and not points.

City will fancy their chances though. Sergio Aguero is expected to feature and captain Vincent Kompany will line up in the centre of defence once again. Not only that, but star man Yaya Toure has penned a new four year contract following unsettling reports about his future at the club. The Blues certainly have ammunition going into Monday night's tie.

United fans will admit that their performances have been below par recently, but they haven't exactly needed to set the world alight. Their comfortable lead at the top of the table has almost definitely guaranteed Fergie his 13th and United's 20th Premier League title. However, the Scotsman has vowed not to let City ruin his sides title push and claims the league is the only real important trophy following United's disappointing cup exit to Chelsea.

The pressure is off both sides which will hopefully encourage a free-flowing, high scoring game for the neutrals. For the fans, I think we'd all be happy with a 1 goal win.

Line-Up

Roberto Mancini will need to field City's strongest XI if he is to record yet another Derby Day triumph.

The Citizens killed United on the wings last season with Micah Richards and Gael Clichy pacing down the flanks. Tomorrow evening, it'll be down to Pablo Zabaleta who will need to take advantage of Patrice Evra's decline in pace this season.

Vinny will definitely start, but whether Roberto will go with the experience of Joleon or the pace and determination of Nastasic is up for debate. Personally, I'd go with the young Serbian.

James Milner was one of the stars of the 6-1 mauling last season and I'd start him again this year. Put Yaya in an attacking role with Silva, Nasri, Milner and Barry accompanying him and I think we could see another high scoring result for City. It may seem a little attacking, but we've nothing to lose.

I've gone for a 4-5-1 formation partly due to the fitness of Aguero and partly because of Carlo's tremendous ability to play as a lone striker. We know the Argentine will work hard and Aguero's pace could be utilised later in the game.

Head to Head

Unsurprisingly, United have dominated Derby Day history.

With 59 wins from 147 games since the Premier League began, Fergie's men definitely have the stats behind them. They've also been victorious in 32 of 73 Derby Day ties at Old Trafford.

However, this won't intimidate City who are gradually going about their quest to combat United's dominance. The Manchester giants have each recorded two wins and one draw in their last 5 meetings.

Derby Day is definitely a day when stats don't count for anything and a day that will forever remain unpredictable.

Twitter's Top Derby Day Moments
'Why Always Me' - Mario Balotelli

Suggested by: @fiery_abhi007 & @dazmertaz

Roger Palmer's last minute winner at Old Trafford

Suggested by: @1deano3

2010/2011 FA Cup Wembley Semi-Final

Suggested by: @McfcMCFC & @Dembe_MCFC

Shaun Goater 'doing' Gary Neville

Suggested by: @rayray6666

The Shaun Wright-Phillips robot

Suggested by: @TheManc180

Andy Hinchcliffe diving header in 5-1 massacre

Suggested by: @BackOf_TheNet

Key Men

Wayne Rooney

There's no guy I fear more on Derby Day. Rooney always seems to show up against City and scored two for his club in the reverse tie at the Etihad earlier this season. Surprisingly, Rooney has been linked away from United several times this year but for me, he's the player that makes them tick.

Yaya Toure

With a new contract signed, it's time for the Ivorian to step up. He did it against Newcastle and I expect him to do it again tomorrow evening. Without doubt he is City's most intimidating player and has a frightening amount of power and pace that will shock Fergie's midfield. If Mancini pushes him into his favoured attacking role, City's chances of victory will be high.

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