Match preview: The Manchester derby Date, time and coverage: Sunday 2 November, 13:30 GMT. The match is live on Sky Sports. You can also follow it via ManUtd’s live blog, or MUTV’s radio service. Scene setter: Few matches in world football generate as much hype as the Manchester derby, a fixture that has taken on a whole new meaning in recent years. History is on United’s side, while City have the current Barclays Premier League title in their trophy room. After a fascinating start to the season, there’s much more at stake than bragging rights in this 168th meeting. Form guide: The Reds head into this weekend’s blockbuster clash on the back of a 1-1 draw with leaders Chelsea and, although home draws have rarely been celebrated with as much euphoria, fans were right to embrace Robin van Persie’s late equaliser following a gritty team performance at Old Trafford. City, meanwhile, were beaten 2-1 by West Ham in their last Premier League outing and were also dumped out of the Capital One Cup by Newcastle on Wednesday. But the Blues will be encouraged by last season’s two victories over David Moyes’ United. Team news: Louis van Gaal confirmed in his pre-match press conference that Wayne Rooney would return after serving the three-match ban that followed his red card against West Ham, but Radamel Falcao remains on the sidelines and Phil Jones is a doubt with shin splints. Michael Carrick could start after sitting on the bench against Chelsea and West Brom, and Antonio Valencia is also in contention. City are without David Silva (knee) and Frank Lampard (thigh), while Samir Nasri is doubtful. Betting: Official betting partners bwin have priced City as favourites at odds of 1.85, with United at 4.00 and the draw at 3.80. If you fancy an entertaining game, you can back exactly five goals to be scored at 7.25. Visit their website for more offers. In the dugout: Manuel Pellegrini has refused to comment on Sunday’s match thus far, mainly because his side had the League Cup tie against Newcastle in midweek. However, the Chilean will undoubtedly have been planning his team all week, given that he is under pressure for the first time in his managerial reign at the Etihad following a couple of disappointing results in the Champions League, a competition City’s owners are determined to win for the first time. Pellegrini admitted after the Newcastle defeat that he is worried by his sides form. Quote/unquote: We know what we need to do, so we just need to focus on that during this week and come out firing on Sunday. The whole world watches the derby - its one of the biggest occasions in football after the World Cup and Champions League finals. Im sure everyone will be watching and were looking forward to it. - Luke Shaw Did you know? As well as competing for three points, van Gaal and Pellegrini are jostling for FIFA’s Coach of the Year award after both were named among 10 nominees earlier this week. Angel Di Maria and Yaya Toure are also up for the Ballon d’Or award. Match officials: Michael Oliver will referee Sundays game, with Stephen Child and Stuart Burt acting as his assistants. Kevin Friend will be on fourth official duties.
Posted on: Sat, 01 Nov 2014 07:58:31 +0000
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