Manchester City vs Manchester United preview

This is it. The biggest game of the year. Whoever wins will gain huge momentum going into their closing two games; whereas the loser will face an uphill struggle to win the title. Manchester United go into the game 3 points better off then their City rivals, and therefore have a huge advantage going into the game. However they have looked somewhat shaky in recent weeks, dropping points at the likes of Wigan and Everton, which have allowed Man City back into the title race. City in contrast have been in sparkling form, trouncing Norwich 6-1 and West Brom 4-0 in order to close the gap on United. United have the experience, but City have home advantage, who will topple their rivals and emerge victorious?

Because Man City are 3 points behind, anything other than a win will surely extinguish any hope of winning their first Barclays Premier League title. However, United have experienced these situations before and risen to the occasion, which must make them heavy favourites to emerge victorious in the tie, despite the game being played at the Etihad. But individual battles will no doubt be major in determining the final outcome. I will highlight and analyse key pitch battles that hold so much significance, that whoever comes out on top will potentially win the game for their side.

Manchester City - Light blue
Manchester United - Red

Carlos Tevez vs Johnny Evans

Will Tevez come back to haunt his old club?

Carlos Tevez has been in dazzling form recently, and he's been pulling the strings and had been an integral part in all that's been good for City in recent weeks. He made a slow return after coming back from a huge lay off spanning just over 6 months after that infamous night in Munich, but he has now found his feet again and has been largely the reason why City have been romping teams left, right and centre in recent weeks. Evans has made a huge improvement deputising for the injured Vidic, and has really made the CB role his own. However he will have a huge job on his hands today keeping Tevez quiet, who will be looking to haunt his old club tonight.

Wayne Rooney vs Vincent Kompany 

Rooney has the capabilities to win the game for United single
handed

Arguably the best forward in the league vs the best centre back in the league. Rooney plays in a very similar position as Tevez does for City, and is just as influential. He contributes vital goals and is United's main goal threat with 26 league goals, only 2 behind the leader Van Persie. He also has the great ability of creating for others, and that's what makes him such a brilliant player. Kompany has established himself as a world class defender, and will need to be at his best to contain Rooney’s threat. If he can keep Rooney quiet than that is United’s major goal threat eliminated from the equation, and will make City’s route to victory much easier.

Nani vs Gael Clichy

Clichy will need to be at his best to contain the threat of Nani 

At his best, Nani is almost unstoppable. He is a box of tricks and can unlock the City defence at any moment in the game, which makes him a huge threat. Although he doesn’t possess the same speed as Valencia does, his ability to cut in off the by line or run down the outside will surely get Clichy guessing all game. His long shot ability and pin point crosses will mean Clichy has to prevent any service to Nani and get tight to him quickly, or he may get punished. Clichy will have a tough job on his hands, and has the pace to match Nani. He’s very competent in an attacking sense, but does he have the defensive capabilities to repel the trickery of Nani?

Yaya Toure vs Paul Scholes

Scholes has been a revelation since returning to United

Yaya Toure is the driving force in City's midfield. His terrific burst of speed combined with his explosive power commands the midfield and is a huge asset to City both in defence and attack. His battle for supremacy in the centre of the park will be contended with the genius that is Paul Scholes. Since he came out of retirement at the end of January he has marked his influence in the United team and has really changed their fortunes. Since his arrival, he has started 11, whereby United have won 9 and drawn 2. That really emphasizes his worth to the team and shows how much he influences United's play, and it’ll be up to Toure to stop him playing and in turn assert his own influence on the game.

These 4 show downs will undoubtedly have a huge impact on who wins and loses the game. Although they are the underdogs, I reckon Manchester City will knick it. They are going into the game high in confidence, and carrying great momentum after scoring 12 goals in their last 3 games. They also hold the advantage of hosting the Champions at the Etihad, and this may prove vital in the game. Furthermore, under the influence of the energetic Carlos Tevez in attack, I think Man City will terrorist the United back line and Tevez in particular, will return to haunt his former side.

Monday 30th April, K.O 8pm

Manchester United XI - De Gea, Jones, Smalling, Ferdinand, Evra, Carrick, Scholes, Nani, Giggs, Park, Rooney

Manchester City XI - Hart, Zabaleta, Kompany, Lescott, Clichy, Yaya Toure, Barry, Silva, Tevez, Nasri, Aguero

Prediction: Man City 2-1 Man United