Manchester City travel to Old Trafford tonight to take on Manchester United and although the outcome of this result probably won't have a huge impact on where the Premier League trophy will be heading at the end of the season, City and Mancini will still want bragging rights over their bitter rivals.
Manchester United are huge favourites to win the tie but I wouldn't write-off City just yet. Lets look at the reasons why Manchester City WILL win this match.
Belief
Last season City demolished an out of sorts Manchester United. Culminating in the Reds biggest home defeat for over 50 years. Mancini's men ruthlessly punished a 10-man United, counter-attacking with speed and precision to inflict a devastating blow to Sir Alex Ferguson. After that 6-1 thumping, City were no longer just the 'noisy neighbours'. This was the game where Manchester City finally stepped out of Uniteds shadow. All the players have to do is think back to that match and the belief will be there.
Return of key players
City haven't had the best of luck with injuries this season. With captain Vincent Kompany and star striker Sergio Aguero having long spells on the side-lines. This won't be the case tonight however, as Mancini has a nearly fully fit squad to choose from. These two figures were the pillar of City's success last season and I think they'll produce the goods again in this derby match and earn the blue side of Manchester bragging rights until the two clubs meet again.
No pressure
With United 15 points clear at the top of the table the Premier League is all but over. No one is expecting Ferguson's men to slip up. This will play into City's hand as there will be no pressure on Mancini's team. They can go to Old Trafford and play with freedom. This may give them the edge against United and see them go on to win in the red half of Manchester.
For me, all the signs point to a Manchester City win, Mancini will have told his players to go out and play with freedom and to earn the bragging rights against their bitter rivals. The Manchester City manager firmly believes his side do no deserve to be 15 points behind Manchester United. Now is his time to prove it.
Source: DSG
