Prediction: Manchester City vs Manchester United

30th April 2012

All eyes will be on Etihad Stadium tonight as Manchester City take on Manchester United in the decisive battle for the Premier League title. The Reds hold a three-point advantage over their rivals at the moment, but City boast superior goal difference, meaning that they can climb to the top of the standings with three points from this clash.

Even Roberto Mancini conceded that title race was over following the 1-0 defeat to Arsenal, but, to the delight of City fans everywhere, the Italian was quickly proved wrong. Convincing victories over West Brom, Norwich and Wolves allowed the Citizens to take advantage of United’s slip ups and close the gap to just three points, thus effectively returning to the title race. The Citizens now have an opportunity to leapfrog their rivals in the standings by beating them at Etihad and it is only fair that the Manchester derby decides the next Premiership champions. Roberto Mancini can be delighted with the form of attacking trio Sergio Aguero, Carlos Tevez and Samir Nasri as these are the players who can lead City to victory in one of the most important games in club’s history. Their teammates will also be high on confidence after the great run of results, so it is not by mistake that online bookmakers see City as favourites to win this clash. Mario Balotelli is back in contention after completing a three-match ban, but he will have to settle for a place on the bench.

Before the season started Manchester United were hardly considered the main candidates for the league title, meaning they can be perfectly happy with the three-point cushion at the Premier League summit, but Sir Alex Ferguson’s can regret the fact they allowed their arch rivals to return to the title race. Just a couple of weeks ago the Red Devils were eight points clear at the top and looked to be cruising to a new league trophy, but slip-ups against Wigan and Everton could prove very costly come end of the season. United still have a psychological advantage over their rivals seeing they would remain in the driving seat even with one point from the Emirates, but the players could be somewhat low on spirits after squandering a two-goal lead against Everton. With no fresh injury worries to report, Sir Alex Ferguson is expected to field a similar side to that which started at the weekend, but Phil Jones or Chris Smalling could come in for Rafael.

Conclusion

Manchester City definitely enter this match in better mood than their opponents and with their key attackers in great form, the Citizens will fancy their chances at Etihad. However, Manchester United are much more experienced when it comes to title deciders and big games in general, which is likely to give them a key advantage in this match.

Verdict: Draw (X)

Best Odds: 5/2

Bookmaker: William Hill