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Manchester City face Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday in a crucial Premier League match. City look firm favorites to finish second behind Liverpool, who have all but secured their 19th League title. City now have 57 points from 27 matches, and have also ensured qualification for the last eight in FA Cup.
On the other hand, United are at the 6th place with 42 points from 28 matches, and are still trying for a top 4 finish. United had beaten City 2-1 at the Etihad in December by producing a counter-attacking master-class, but City got their revenge by beating United in the Carabao Cup.
United still have 10 matches in hand, and would desperately try to improve their position in the league table. However, it would not be an easy task to defeat their city-rivals, and the contest promises to be an absorbing one.
We shall now take a look at the three crucial factors which might determine the fate of the match:
#1 Daniel James’ return to the playing XI
Daniel James had missed the match against Everton that ended in a 1-1 stalemate, and United would be boosted by his return to the starting XI against City.
In James’ absence, United played Bruno Fernandes as a de facto false 9, with Anthony Martial and Mason Greenwood playing in the right and left wings respectively. With James’ return, Fernandes would switch back to the No. 10 in a 4-2-3-1, and Martial would start as the centre-forward.
However, United were clearly missing James’ speed and guile through the flanks. The 22-year-old was instrumental in the 3-0 win over Watford; he had claimed an assist and was one of the better performing players in the match.
James he did not play in the FA Cup fifth round match against Derby County, which United won 3-0. It would be a visual treat for the United supporters if James is able to combine effectively with Martial and Fernandes against City.
#2 The absorbing midfield battle
It should be a very interesting battle in the midfield, as both teams boast of great depth in that area. City have one of the finest midfields in the world, which continues to impress despite missing David Silva because of injury.
City can also afford to leave a fine talent like Phil Foden on the bench, as they have world-class players like Ilkay Gundogan, Kevin de Bruyne and Rodri - all of whom are capable of playing the slick passing game professed by Pep Guardiola. Special mention should be made of De Bruyne, who delivered yet another stellar performance in a 2-1 away win against Real Madrid in the Champions League last month.
However, United are not far behind in terms of midfield prowess, as the signing of Fernandes has added creative spark to it. With Scott McTominay back from injury and Nemanja Matic rolling back the years, the future looks promising for United.
Still, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer would be able to start with only two of the midfield triumvirate of Matic, Fred and McTominay. The Norwegian manager would actually love to have such problems of plenty, as it indicates healthy competition within the squad.
#3 City’s diminutive and slick forwards versus the giants in United's defence
City have a number of slick and skillful forwards, who are somewhat short in stature but perform consistently well. Each of Sergio Aguero, Raheem Sterling, Gabriel Jesus and Bernardo Silva is capable of tormenting any defence in the world with their slick runs and consummate finishing skills.
Aguero, who has scored 23 goals in 29 matches this season so far, would again be the main man in City’s attack. He continues to have a lethal presence in the final third, and could prove to be more than a handful for any defence.
However, the United defence, led by the 6 feet 4 inches tall Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof, has performed well in the last one month or so, and should be confident of containing the maestros of City.
United are likely to win the aerial battles inside their penalty box, and City should not spend too much time in crossing the ball to their forwards from the wings. However, if the likes of Sterling and Bernardo keep cutting in form the wings with their darting runs, the United defence would be on its toes for a considerable portion of the match.
