Manchester City keeper Joe Hart’s looking shaky, Wayne Rooney’s back in the goals for Manchester United while City counterpart Sergio Aguero needs to deliver on the big stage…
Here’s a tactical look at some of the players who will be coming up against each other ahead of the most eagerly anticipated game of the season so far.
With both sides unsure of their best wingers, and possessing some of the strongest full backs in the division, the crucial battles are likely to take place down the spine of the pitch:
Joe Hart v Robin van Persie
Much has been made of been made of Joe Hart’s form recently and after an inconsistent 2012/13, he would have hoped to hit the ground running this term.
Unfortunately he has started by allowing a long range Shaun Maloney strike to slip through his grasp against Scotland at Wembley and then he failed to deal with two Cardiff corners as City slipped to a humiliating defeat in south Wales.
Given full backing by new boss Manuel Pellegrini, Hart will be buoyed by two consecutive clean sheets against Stoke and Viktoria Plzen in the Champions League on Tuesday.
With Wayne Rooney finding the creative spark that United supposedly lack as they continue to improve under David Moyes, Van Persie will get chances and it is almost inevitable he will seriously test the City custodian with at least one.
With other threats coming from all over the pitch, Hart will have to find his title-winning season form if City are to triumph.
Yaya Toure v Michael Carrick
For someone playing in an ‘unsung hero’ role, Michael Carrick’s importance to United is no secret.
The backbone of their canter to the title last season, he has the responsibility of trying to keep City’s plethora of attacking talent at bay.
City will be sweating over the fitness of David Silva, as they look for experienced heads to lead those new signings who will be appearing in their first Manchester derby.
If Silva is not fit to start, that responsibility in midfield will lie with Yaya Toure.
City look a faster, slicker and more dynamic outfit when the Ivorian is given a free role to push forward and help influence the attacks, as he did in the second half in midweek, with Fernandinho sitting deeper.
Given how effective this system was for Pellegrini’s men, it is likely they will use it again, and Carrick will have to be at his best to quell the pace, power and technical ability of Toure.
Sergio Aguero v Nemanja Vidic
It is time for Sergio Aguero to stand up and deliver.
Forever immortalised in City history for his last gasp goal that won them the title in 2012, he has produced world class moments on several occasions, and scored a fantastic winner at Old Trafford in April.
But last season’s tally of 12 Premier League goals is something he will hope to improve on if he is to fulfil his potential and truly become one of the best in the world.
Having not scored in the league since the opening day, he will be looking to build upon his goal in the Czech Republic on Tuesday as he faces the unenviable task of breaking down a United defence that has conceded only two top flight goals this season.
Vidic again will be the lynchpin of the visitors’ backline. The Serb has played every minute of their season so far and looks as reliable as ever. United’s skipper will surely be urging his team mates to avoid the early lapse of concentration that cost them at Anfield in their last away game.
Image courtesy of ITV Sport via YouTube, with thanks.
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