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This weekend, the oldest cup competition in the world will see two powerhouses from Manchester fight it out for a place in the finals. Instead of the game being played at the home turf of either of the two teams, it will be a one-off encounter at Wembley stadium. The showdown between these two intercity rivals will be a huge occasion for both sets of supporters as neither would want their team to come out of this game on the wrong side of the result.
With Key Personnel missing for both teams, the Focus will be on the two Managers to see what they Conjure up
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The Manchester derby might not have a following as large as the ‘El Clasico’ (played between Barcelona and Real Madrid) but don’t you dare take it lightly. It is going to be war minus firing at Wembley on Sunday. More than 60,000 fans will flock south to witness this epic all-Manchester FA cup semi-final battle as the Red Devils and the Blues fight for a place in the finals at Wembley.
Apart from the place in the finals up for grabs, there is a lot more at stake in this match for City. Manchester United are the most successful club in the Premier League era and have won everything that is on offer both in the country and Europe, while the Blue side of Manchester has been facing a trophy drought which has now lasted for last 35 years. But after the recent takeover of the club by Abu Dhabi based group, the club has started to make big strides, though it will take them some time to even come close to what Manchester United have achieved.
City would want this game to be seminal point in their season, as a win here will not only give them a great chance to end the drought but something which could propel them into the European place this season in the league. The Citizens also would be itching to prove a point or two to some Sir Alex Ferguson, who once famously dismissed them as just “Noisy neighbors”.
Roberto Mancini has been at times been criticized this season of being too negative and rightly so. The Italian tactician likes to play five in the mid field to choke out the oppositions by using two defensive mid fielders and playing just one up top, usually that being Carlos Tevez. Playing this way has often resulted in City being part of dull and boring games, unable to break defenses. This is in-spite of the fact that Mancini has spent millions on attacking players like Adam Johnson, James Milner and Edin Dzeko.
With Carlos Tevez ruled out with hamstring injury sustained in the mid week clash against Liverpool and Mario Balotelli looking anything but interested in playing for them, it will be fascinating to see what Mancini does with his team selection.
Expected starting XI: Hart, Kolarov, Kompany, Lescott, Boyata, De Jong, Barry, Toure, Silva, Johnson, Dzeko.
Player to watch:
Adam Johnson
Adam Johnson's deft skills and quick feet could come in handy for City on the wings
The left footed Man City and England winger has been warming up the bench for most of the season and has just recently won back his place in the starting line-up after some scintillating stuff against Sunderland. Johnson is one of the most talented young footballers in England and will be likely to give Patrice Evra few scares with his pace and trickery in this high voltage drama at Wembley.
MANCHESTER UNITED
Manchester United, on the other hand, will be looking at this game as wonderful chance to cap off another treble winning season, having already booked their place in the Champions league semi-final and being in pole position to lift the Premier League title.
Manchester United are seven points clear at the top in the race for the Premier league title and are favorites to lift the trophy for a record nineteenth time. The Red Devils side might not be star studded like in previous years, but Sir Alex’s men still have that work ethic and team spirit which their ‘noisy neighbours’ lack at times. Sir Alex’s men have pulled themselves out of holes many a time this season, be it going down two nil at West Ham or coming from behind to beat Blackpool. The team has great camaraderie and functions like a well oiled machine, which no matter what dishes out the right results consistently.
Sir Alex likes to play Dimitar Berbatov up front and Wayne Rooney playing in the hole behind, but with Rooney unavailable for selection, Chicharito might get rare start and it will be another chance for Berbatov to bask in the sun.
Expected starting XI: Van der sar, Evra, Vidic, Ferdinand, O’Shea, Nani, Giggs, Park, Carrick, Chicharito, Berbatov
Player to watch:
Javier Hernández Balcázar:
Chicharito has been a Revelation ever since his arrival in Manchester
For those who are wondering who this is, well this is the real name of Manchester United’s new wonder boy Chicharito. Following his transfer last summer to the red half of Manchester, Chicharito has developed into a super sub for Sir Alex’s men, coming late on and winning games for the Red Devils. The Mexican has already netted 11 times in the league this season and don’t be surprised if he smashes one into the back of Joe Harts goal.
Noticeable Absentees
Two characters who will be stark absentees in the clash will be Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez. Derby man Wayne Rooney will not be available for selection for this match following his two match ban after his foul mouthed rant on camera at West Ham. Rooney’s resurgent form has been influential in Manchester United’s continued push for the treble and his ferocity on the pitch will be much missed.
City captain Carlos Tevez will also miss the game after he pulled his hamstring at Liverpool on Monday night, thus presenting a striker woe for manager Roberto Mancini who is yet to find a true replacement for his influential captain.
Over the years the Manchester Derby has been nothing short of a spectacle with late winners and red cards. Expect this one to be another high voltage drama at Wembley with lots of twists and turn all along.
