Just a matter of weeks remain until one of the biggest rivalries in football takes place, as Manchester City face Manchester United at The Etihad Stadium.
The Blues will host their biggest rivals on November 2 in what could be a totally unpredictable match if the current Premier League table is anything to go by.
Despite winning the league last season, Manchester City find themselves only second, already five points behind leaders Chelsea.
While Manchester United sit fourth after a less than impressive start to the season.
And if previous derbies are anything to go by, the future looks bleak for Louis van Gaal’s starting XI.
In September 2013, Manchester City managed to beat the Red Devils 4-1 while they were under the guidance of David Moyes.
And despite dreams of a ‘new era’, Louis van Gaal is still trying to re-launch the Old Trafford side, who finished in just seventh-place last year.
Indeed, recruiting Angel di Maria looked as if it was going to be a positive change for the Red Devils.
The 26-year-old scored in Manchester United’s stunning 4-0 victory over Queen’s Park Rangers and followed it up with a consolation goal in the fateful 5-3 defeat to Leicester City.
Despite this however, Rome wasn’t built in a day, and one man cannot carry a team.
Louis van Gaal may have been better advised to have bolstered his defence rather than focus on his attack, something which rang only too true during the ill-fated match with Leicester City.
Over on the blue side of Manchester, things are looking much more positive, but with the unpredictability of this season’s league, bettors might be better advised to bet in play rather than in advance.
However, for those who want to bet based on form alone, spectators need only look at the recent match against Chelsea for proof of Manchester City’s potential this season.
Despite the game finishing in a draw, it was instrumental in proving that Frank Lampard is far better placed with Manchester City than he was with Chelsea.
Jose Mourinho’s face said it all, and Lampard could look forward to a fantastic loan season with the team.
City still have some work to do if they are going to regain their first-place from last year, but with Manchester United still not proving themselves, it should be in the bag as to who is going to win this year’s biggest derby.
Image courtesy of Manchester City FC, via YouTube with thanks
