Louis van Gaal’s increasingly confident Manchester United will look to twist the knife in Manchester City’s side when the derby rivals clash in Sunday’s Premier League showdown at Old Trafford.
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To gain an insight into the mindset of the fans we asked members of the respective UAE Supporters Clubs to share with us their predictions, likely line-ups and players to watch.
Do you agree or have they missed the mark? Use #360Fans to share with us your thoughts.
ZIAD AL JAMAAN – MANCHESTER UNITED SUPPORTERS CLUB UAE
If the derby needed any extra spice – victory for United would ensure the Reds stay above their town rivals in the league. United have been playing some entertaining football whilst City have been struggling at times this season. We all know form goes out the window in derby games; it’s just a question of which players rise to the occasion. I don’t think LVG will tinker the system as it seems to be working perfectly, however, he could spring a surprise and bring in Di Maria for Ashley Young.
In Ander Herrera, we finally have someone who makes those late runs into the box similar to what Paul Scholes did for us for so long.
City could be missing Kompany which will be a major loss for them, so hopefully we go and attack them and see how their defence holds up.
In the previous fixture we were clearly the better team and got unlucky with the sending off which damaged our shape. LVG looks like he enjoys competing against the bigger teams and on our day we can beat anyone. Beating City will guarantee us a Champions League spot which was always the target this season. Anything above fourth place is a bonus for us.
PREDICTION: 2-1 to United
LIKELY UNITED XI: De Gea, Valencia Rojo Smalling Mata Carrick Fellaini Herrara Blind Di Maria Rooney
UNITED PLAYER TO WATCH: Wayne Rooney – He has a good record against City and will aim to continue that in a game that could help engineer United’s third place position.
CITY PLAYER TO WATCH: Sergio Aguero – The Argentine is always dangerous and doesn’t let the defender breathe for a second. He will attempt to rediscover his form at Old Trafford.
WHERE TO WATCH IT: Harvesters Pub, Crowne Plaza, Sheikh Zayed Road.
DARREN BALL – ABU DHABI BLUES
To say I am feeling nervous going into Sunday’s Manchester derby is a bit of an understatement. I shouldn’t really be feeling this way with City having won the last four league meetings against the team from Salford. However recent form gives Manchester United the edge in the confidence battle but derbies are different, everything goes out of the window when they both step onto the pitch.
The game is a must win for both clubs to pretty much guarantee Champions League football next season and I reckon neither wants that fourth spot and a tricky play off in August to contend with. With United and Arsenal still needing to play Chelsea, City could well find themselves in a good position come the end of the season which makes this match a must win.
City go into the game with no reported injuries which looks like a start for Bony with Dzeko back to where he belongs and on the bench. I also see Zabaleta coming in for Sagna and maybe Milner in for Fernandinho.
United must be fear the strike partnership of Bony and Aguero as both have an excellent record against the Reds. Bony has scored in each of his three appearances playing for Swansea against United, whilst Aguero has scored in six of his seven games against United.
The pressure of a good performance has also be mounting on skipper Vincent Kompany and midfield talisman Yaya Toure who have both had relatively poor seasons compared to previous campaigns.
PREDICTION: 3-1 to City.
LIKELY CITY XI: Hart, Zabaleta, Kompany, Demichelis, Clichy, Navas, Milner, Yaya, Silva, Aguero, Bony
CITY PLAYER TO WATCH: Jesus Navas – For all the industry he puts in to every game there still seems to be little end product. Jesus and a cross should be like jelly and ice cream but he seems to be a poor Aaron Lennon having a bad day. That said I think he will create some major issues for United’s back line this weekend with the lethal Bony and Aguero making space for him to run into.
WHERE TO WATCH IT: The Abu Dhabi Blues – The only Official Manchester City Supporters Club in the UAE will be gathering at McGettigans AUH to watch the game. Commentary will be live in English and you do not need to be a member to come and join in. McGettigans AUH is located next to the Raha Beach Hotel in the Raha Beach area of Abu Dhabi. Kick off is 7pm local time.
