When I predicted in my season preview that Manchester City will finish in the top 4 in the League this season, little did I know that it could come at the cost of Manchester United’s title aspirations. In what is a pivotal weekend in the English Premier League, the top spot as well as the fourth position in the table could be sealed as City take on United in the Manchester Derby while Tottenham Hotspur host Chelsea in the London Derby.
Manchester City v Manchester United
Revenge for City
Forget the fourth place finish and the Champions League berth. Manchester City fans will have just one thought in their mind – Revenge. In the reverse fixture at Old Trafford earlier this season, the Eastlanders were denied any points by a dramatic stoppage-time winner in the arguably the match of the season. Michael Owen’s 96th minute goal left City fuming and questions were raised about time added to the stipulated 4 minutes of extra time. Back then, City were taking their first steps as a money-backed squad and the match was more about the Money of City versus the Class of United. A lot of water has flowed under the bridge since, and City have shown that the cash-rich club can play some attractive football.
Michael Owen's stoppage time winner will still hurt City fans
Tevez the key
One player who has been instrumental for City’s fine run is former United striker Carlos Tevez. After a bitter move from Old Trafford during the summer, the Argentinian marksman has scored 28 goals this season, including 10 in his last 8 matches. Tevez also found the back of the net 3 times against United when City came out second best over the 2-legged Carling Cup semifinal. Roberto Mancini will hope his striker is on target again as City look to cement their place in the fourth and final spot for the Champions League.
Carlos Tevez has been in fine form
Final nail in the coffin for United
Sir Alex Ferguson has seen his season blow away in the last 3 weeks. A defeat to Chelsea followed by exit from the Champions League at the hands of Bayern Munich has spoiled what looked a pretty good season for the Red Devils. A goalless draw against Blackburn last weekend meant that Ferguson’s side will need generous favours from other teams (especially Chelsea) if they are to become the first team to win 4 successive Premier League titles. With a 4 point gap and doubts over Wayne Rooney’s fitness, a defeat at the City of Manchester Stadium could be the final nail in the coffin for United.
Sir Alex Ferguson has seen his side lose the title race in the last 3 weeks
i Predict Manchester City 2 Manchester United 1
Most of my United predictions go wrong and I hope the Red Devils can pull off a win at Eastlands. But considering City’s record at home this season (just 1 loss), I don’t see that happening.
Tottenham Hotspur v Chelsea
The London Derby at White Hart Lane will mean a lot more to Tottenham than to Chelsea. Chelsea might see United falter at Eastlands earlier in the day and that should ease the pressure of Carlo Ancelotti’s boys ahead of the match. Tottenham on the other hand could see City open up a 4 point gap and secure their place for the final Champions League spot. Harry Redknapp will hope that his team carries forward the form that saw them beat Arsenal in midweek. Heurelho Gomes was the star of that win after the Brazilian goalkeeper made vital saves to deny Robin Van Persie and Sol Campbell. Tottenham will need all of that brilliant performance and a lot more if they are to keep a rampant Chelsea at bay. Chelsea have scored 18 goals on their way to winning their last 5 matches and their recent form has made Carlo Ancelotti’s team firm favourites for the League and FA Cup double.
Harry Redknapp's team need to repeat their performance against Arsenal
Fight to the finish
A win over Chelsea will keep Tottenham up and running in a rather difficult home stretch. Tottenham will face Manchester United next weekend and if Harry Reknapp’s boys keep up their good form, the fight for the 4th place in the league should set up nicely when Tottenham visit Manchester City later in the season.
i Predict Tottenham Hotspur 2 Chelsea 1
Tottenham have won 2 and drawn 1 of their last 3 encounters against Chelsea at White Hart Lane. More importantly, Tottenham are undefeated in the last 6 matches at home, winning 5 of them and should be able to maintain their home record against Chelsea.
