The 1st of March could be a pivotal day not only for the bragging rights of Manchester, but for the Premier League title. And here’s why:
The clash between the two Manchester giants will go some way to deciding the title. With Manchester United’s steady and largely unnoticed rise in consistency and performances, it would be foolish to write them off for the title, they are only 8 points behind league leaders Arsenal as this is being written. By March, the gap could have been well and truly closed, and Moyes’ boys could well be playing for the top spot in the league.
The Derby could be make or break for David Moyes. After a relatively poor start by Manchester United’s standards, the new man will be relying on a derby win to at least secure his position as the right man for the job, despite his predecessor’s claims he is the right man. Moyes will need to prove he has the mettle and quality to succeed at the helm of one of the biggest clubs in England, and defeating Manchester City would be a good way of going about it.
The Derby could be the ultimate dispelling of City’s patchy away form. City have taken 10 points from a possible 27 so far this year, and must pick up more points on the road if they are to regain the title from their neighbours. Defeats to Chelsea, Villa, Sunderland and Cardiff will not please Manuel Pellegrini and the Citizens will have to replicate their stunning home form away from the Etihad to sustain their fearsome title challenge. However, City have won 4 and drawn 1 of their last 5 away games, so perhaps their performances are on the up already, but I’m sure seeing a scintillating away performance at the home of the old enemy would put smiles on many a City fan’s face. Perhaps a repeat of the 6-1?
Source: DSG
