Barclays Premier League
Venue: Etihad Stadium Date: Monday, 30 April
Coverage: Live commentary on BBC Radio 5 live; live text commentary
onBBC Sport website, highlights on Monday's Match of the Day, BBC One
2235 BST
Manchester City host rivals Manchester United on Monday night knowing
victory would give them the edge in the Premier League title race.
United travel to Etihad Stadium with a three-point lead over their
rivals, but have an inferior goal difference.
City kept the pressure on the leaders with a 2-0 win over Wolves last
weekend as United drew 4-4 with Everton.
Remaining league games
*. Manchester City: Manchester United (H), Newcastle (A), QPR (H)
*. Manchester United: Manchester City (A), Swansea (H), Sunderland (A)
Victory for City would put them level with Sir Alex Ferguson's men
with just two games remaining.
United have the edge in the head-to-heads, having won 67 of the 161
matches between the two clubs withCity coming out on top in 44.
However, the last time the two sides met in the league, City thumped
United 6-1 - the Red Devils' heaviest-ever Premier League defeat and
the first time they had conceded six goals at Old Trafford since 1930.
"This is the derby game of all derby games," said Ferguson. "It is our
city rivals and that makes everyone step up a notch in terms of
anticipation.
Did you know?
Manchester City have scored 87 goalsso far this season. That's their
highest total in the top flight since they netted 100 during the
1957-58 season
"Our fans will look upon it [a possible league win] as a special
onebecause they are our fans' most bitter rivals, there is no getting
awayfrom that. It means everything to thefans and I think going into
work on Tuesday morning will be the most important day of their lives
for both sets of supporters.
"People are brought up through theirgrandfathers, their great
grandfathers, their grandmothers to be what they are. You can't change
a family's traits. It is steeped in the blood of these supporters and
they will give everything to win this gameon Monday."
Hansen's verdict
Alan Hansen Football Analyst
"Sir Alex Ferguson wants that 20th title desperately by keeping City
at bay, while others may see Roberto Mancini's team going on to
dominatedomestically for years to come if they can get that first
Premier League under their belt. Has there ever been a bigger Premier
League game than this?"
Read Hansen's full verdict
With so much at stake, City manager Roberto Mancini is hoping that
this derby will pass peacefully.
"It is a football day and not war and, for this reason, I hope all
supporters will enjoy the game," said Mancini, who admitted he is
worried about the day.
"The United game is like a final and you can lose these games; you are
not playing against a small team."
While City's home record is favourable, with 21 wins in their last 22
matches in the top flight, the Blues have not scored at home against
United in the league for nearly five years.
But recent form suggests City are favourites. Roberto Mancini's men
have won their last three games, scoring 13 goals in the process.
United, meanwhile, have taken just four points from a possible nine,
which included losing a 4-2 lead to draw with Everton at Old Trafford.
But if United win and then triumph intheir two remaining games, they
willfinish with 92 points to equal their best Premier League tally,
achieved when they won the title in 1994.
City visit Newcastle next after the derby clash and then face QPR at
home, while United take on Swansea at Old Trafford before finishing
with a trip to Sunderland.
No comments:
Post a Comment