Team selection doubts: stick or twist?
Only Chris Smalling’s illness prevented Louis van Gaal to send out the same team for the third consecutive time against Aston Villa, so the Dutchman gave the chance to Marcos Rojo to complete the defensive line. Phil Jones and Rojo weren’t tested much in that game, despite conceding the goal in which the Argentinean could and should have marked Christian Benteke better. This week Smalling is potentially available for the big derby and, assuming Jones will get the nod, van Gaal must decide – Rojo or Smalling.
Other subject of fans’ selection debates is to stick with Ashley Young or to twist and give Angel di Maria the start. Young was wiry and dynamic against his old club and provided constant threat on the left, but without much end product. On the other hand, his substitute Di Maria managed to get an assist within minutes; with a respectable cross which Rooney controlled and smashed home. Having in mind Manuel Pellegrini’s options on their right side, defensively aware Young might just get the edge in front of United’s record signing, who will certainly give the great impact coming of the bench.
In pre-match press conference the gaffer said “You must see the quality of your opponent and make a decision with the staff, so it’s not always [about] never changing the team,” so we can be sure van Gaal will thoroughly evaluate his options.
Who’ll win the midfield battle?
According to recent meetings between these two, Manchester City should easily dominate the midfield area, with powerhouse Yaya Toure and tireless Fernandinho being helped by David Silva and Samir Nasri. Even with Marouane Fellaini in the starting eleven in last three games against the Citizens, United didn’t manage to get the hold of the possession which would allow them to distribute the ball to more attacking areas.
However, the established midfield that possesses the variety of skills could dominate out-of-form Toure and Brazilian destroyer if the power in numbers turns out to be crucial. Pellegrini rarely plays with less than two strikers, leaving him with just two central midfielders and it will be interesting if the Chilean changes his formation. Nonetheless, ball retention or the ‘winning of the second balls’ as van Gaal likes to call it will be the key of Sunday’s game. If United’s trio loses that battle, the emphasis on possession football will be difficult to gain.
Can United exploit City’s defence?
Silva and Nasri are presumably to start as the wide midfielders, especially because of horrendous game Jesus Navas has played at Selhurst Park. Creativeness of the two was never in question, but their defensive work and dedication are not something for what they get praised. City’s full-backs are often exploited to lack of support on the sides, and with attacking pretentions they also have, van Gaal will certainly know how to use his players in situations when that space is created. United scored beautiful goal via intricate passing on the left against Aston Villa and although City have undoubtedly better defenders than the Villains, it is to expect that Juan Mata and Young will get that space to execute the final pass.
Final news on Friday report that Vincent Kompany is doubtful for the clash. His physical presence and customary good performances against United won’t be missed as far as the Reds are concerned and Rooney will look to deal better with inexperienced Eliaquim Mangala and slow Martin Demichelis. He will also need to be aware to punish an odd mistake Mangala is capable of doing.
Can United stop City’s big game players to do the damage again?
Sergio Agüero, Toure and Edin Džeko are regularly great against United. If we turn just to goal statistic in the last five seasons, those three players scored 14 of 22 goals City managed to net in last nine games. Toure is a shadow of a player he was last season, but scored with a fine weaker-foot finish this Monday against Crystal Palace and he can still produce a moments of brilliance. Džeko is especially comfortable in playing at Old Trafford, scoring two in each of his last two games there, and Pellegrini would be playing with his luck if he puts the Bosnian on the bench.
The heavily documented recent drought that Agüero has been through must not fool United’s defence. who should expect a hungrier opponent than ever. When at his best, Agüero can single-handedly rip top clubs apart (his hat-trick against Bayern Munich in Champions League this season is obvious example) and no one would be much surprised if his goalless run ended. Reds will have to put in a top collective performance if they want their goalkeeper to keep a clean sheet.
Do United have a fear of their noisy neighbours?
After losing six of the last seven games in the league to City, psychology will play big role for Manchester United. Blue half is used to winning against their city rivals, especially their core players who have been in the club for years. Pellegrini did the convincing double over United last season and also has the victory from the earlier match this season at Etihad and will want to keep that great run.
Relatively large amount of new players in United team who didn’t experience painful defeats like 1-6 in 2011 and 4-1 last season could break that mental barrier their team-mates have. The improvement could be seen at the last 45 minutes United played at Etihad. Despite going man down after Smalling red card in the first half, United put in a spiteful display and were unlucky to go home with no goals scored. Newcomers like Herrera, Daley Blind and Di Maria have never played against Manchester City at Old Trafford and having won only one home derby match (Liverpool 3-0), they’ll want more of the same and hopefully can pull their team if they start to show the fear of new defeat.
