Vincent will need some company for City to triumph.
There are not many things in life that can provoke such emotions as football. What is it ? A friend once said “It’s just 11 men showing off their legs and running after the ball what’s there to like about that” ? If only it was that simple.
This weekends derby which sees Manchester United take on Manchester City, is far more than just 11 men on each side fighting to kick that spherical object that one calls a football. United and City have history much further than the recent past, some may remember the 6-1 mauling the Blues inflicted on United or some may remember the 5-0 hammering the Red Devils gave their neighbours at Maine Road – but what ever your memory this football game means so much to many people.
Football is just a game they say – not to some and especially when it comes to ‘local bragging rights’. On the whole football itself has become an institution – a part of society if you will. The fast pace, the high emotion it brings – it just can’t be put into words!
This derby maybe like a soap opera to some -but this game is far from your Eastenders or Corrie, this is where boys come men – and men become supermen! Both City and United are in the top four of the Barclays Premier League – and if you’re in the top four, that’s where the ‘big boys’ play this is where the money comes.
The top four of the Premier League means Champions League football usually – and that keeps the clubs money men happy , no Champions League means money men are not happy that’s bad news, just ask the money men at United.
Just another game they say – but not anymore, football revolves around money – and if either side loses this game it could damage their top four hopes. City stand to lose the most. The Citizens so brilliant last year have been a shadow of that – and since January have gone 12 points behind Chelsea when they were level on points before January.
Not as many goals and an evidently leaky defence means that City have been somewhat four out this season. Often this season the Blues have been accused of not trying – but the thought of not being involved in the title race in itself could be demotivating. That’s still no excuse however, if City do lose that could allow Liverpool back into the battle for the top four slots.
The Citizens do need to strengthen – and if they’re not in the Champions League next season, strengthening could be very difficult indeed. Such a thought is unthinkable right? err not really to be honest. A shaky defence, a midfield that doesn’t track back enough:strikers not firing like last year; don’t be surprised if City lose their top four place.
As they say though derbies are different and form goes out of the window – but that’s not 100% true here however. United have been improving and the wins against respectable opposition in Spurs and Liverpool show that.
United are a team that have started to keep the same side. Chopping changing, Louis Van Gaal couldn’t make his mind up who to pick in his side – but Michael Carrick and Ander Herrera have been brilliant, which has helped the Reds look solid in recent weeks. To add to that United’s defence has been playing well, as it’s had the chance to stay the same
Let’s not forget the man who been a one man army at times, David De Gea who has been excellent as well, which helps the team a lot . That’s not to say that Joe Hart for City hasn’t been – but the fact that Vincent Kompany hasn’t been firing on all cylinders is a weak point for the visitors – and something United’s players will look to take advantage of.
The Belgian who was part of an impressive partnership with DeMichellis last year has struggled this year with the Argentine, maybe that’s why Manuel Pelegrini has changed his defence a lot.
That’s not been all the problems though however. The Blues have been outfought in midfield at times this year, the game against Arsenal maybe proves that. Toure, Fernando and Fernando are good players – but maybe James Milner like players are needed in this game.
Marouane Fellaini who was seen by many as a ‘weak link’ is far from that now – and as a matter of fact could be one of the most important players on the pitch. Big, physical and deadly in the air – the Belgian could be United’s match winner as he possess some attributes that City’s midfield do not have.
The thing what makes football and more particularly football derbies great is you just don’t know what’s going to happen. It’s that air of unpredictability that makes it so great. Just another game? far from it! it’s games like these where heroes are made and life time stories created.