Manchester City vs. Manchester United: The Big Derby Preview

One-on-one

Marouane Fellaini vs. Yaya Toure

Can Fellaini hold off Yaya Toure?

Can Yaya Toure be negated for certain?

In the past, Manchester United have faced a hard time against players like Toure and Dembele, who tend to dominate over the opponent midfield with their sheer physical presence. After Roy Keane and Owen Hargreaves they have never had much bite in their midfield.

However, all that changed with a last day signing of a certain Belgian, who has provided a certain kind of control in the midfield, not a creative one but a physically controlling one. Fellaini will face the litmus test as he squares off against the midfield enforcer of Manchester City, Yaya Toure.

Wayne Rooney vs. Garcia/Fernandinho

Whoever, among Garcia or Fernandinho, plays as the CDM for City, his job would be to simply stick to Rooney like a magnet and not allow him to operate between the channels. Expect a centre half to be moved on to Rooney as he would definitely be double teamed which will then liberate one of the United attackers to get a chance at a one-on-one.

Micheal Carrick vs. Manchester City pressing

Michael Carrick would have a tough job. As the calm presence that he is, he would be pressed hard from all sides by Aguero, Silva and Toure. Even if Fellaini shields him to some level, Carrick would still have a difficult time and he has previously struggled against teams that press hard and high.

Prediction

This is one match where making a prediction would be like predicting the result of a coin toss. When emotions run high and the players respond more and more to the fans’ passion, one goal could decide the outcome of the match. Moyes would most likely be happy with a draw but Pellegrini would surely have his own plans.

Whatever happens, expect a high-tension match fraught with cards and emotions with some violent tackles thrown in and clashes along the way.

K.O Time: 8.30pm (Etihad Stadium)