Can Manchester United take advantage of City’s slip up?

Manchester United go into tonight’s game with Fulham behind arch-rivals Manchester City on goal difference at the top of the Premier League table.

The game at Old Trafford is United’s game in hand and chance to reclaim the lead in the battle for the Premier League title.

Advantage

A victory would give the champions a three point lead at the top of the Premier League but also a psychological advantage. United have won the title so many times in recent seasons having come from behind their rivals.

United know that if they win the remaining games they will win the Premier League title, it’s as simple as that. United still have to face City at the Etihad Stadium but would only have to avoid defeat if they win their other games.

Psychology

This is the part of the season when managers crank the mind games up. United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is a master of mind games and there are very few people who get the better of the Scot. Even when Jose Mourinho was Chelsea boss he didn’t try to play mind games with the United boss.

Ferguson’s mind games have helped United win trophies in the past, as their opponents have felt the pressure from the United boss. The big question is can City boss Roberto Mancini win the battle of the minds?

If he does, then he may just be able to help his players over the finish line. His team really do need him at his managerial best at this point in the season.

Form

Although Manchester City aren’t on a terrible run of form they are struggling to get victories away from home. Their latest failure was a 1-1 draw at Stoke City, which in itself isn’t an awful result. The Britannia Stadium is a hard place to go.

However Manchester United have hit blistering form and they are winning home and away. The City players are starting to look like they are getting tired and running out of ideas in away games. They lacked width and creativity against Stoke and that’s a problem they will need to overcome if they are to become champions.

Experience

Manchester United have developed ways of winning difficult games through experience. They have the know how to win at places like Stoke and that is why the Red Devils have won so many trophies under Sir Alex Ferguson.

Manchester City’s period as title chasers has so long been a very short one. They have not yet had the same experience as United of winning games when the going gets tough. It looks like the City players are starting to feel the pressure. Most of the City players are on unfamiliar ground.

Showdown

Manchester City and Manchester United go head-to-head on April 30th at the Etihad Stadium. The game could be the deciding factor on whom claims the title and local bragging rights between the pair. City face difficult away trips before the end of the season to Arsenal, Norwich and Newcastle.

By the time the two Manchester sides face one another United could have the title wrapped up and the derby might not matter anyway. It’s more likely that the clash will have a big say in where the title ends up though and I’m sure we are in for some more twists in the Premier League title race this season.

Will Manchester United take advantage of Manchester City’s latest slip-up?