From the UEFA Champions League to the Barclays’ Premier League, the rivalry of the blue and red halves in Manchester take the spotlight
With just two points separating the crosstown rivals at the top of the table, Manchester United and Manchester City face off at Old Trafford on Sunday after a week in which both clubs were involved in UEFA Champions League action.
Manchester United VS Manchester City
It is only the tenth match of the season so this is an important yet not definitive derby game between two clubs who are growing in confidence and momentum.
Both teams were comfortable winners last weekend. Manchester United managed a 3-0 victory at Everton, who were desperate to win to honour the memory of ex-manager Howard Kendall, while Manchester City were powered by a Raheem Sterling hat-trick to thump Bournemouth 5-1 at home.
In normal circumstances, a more settled City outfit might have the edge on a United team in transition. But the Sky Blues are missing their two most influential players, Sergio Aguero and David Silva.
Sterling and Wilfried Bony combined for all five goals the last time out but the pair will find the going much tougher at Old Trafford. Similarly, Wayne Rooney and Anthony Martial, who have been on the score sheet in recent weeks, will be watched closely by a City defence strengthened by the anticipated league return of captain Vincent Kompany.
Although this fixture has on occasion produced lopsided results, this match is likely to end in a draw.
Prediction: Manchester Utd 1-1 Manchester City
West Ham VS Chelsea
The Londoners are looking good in the top four, with five wins and only two defeats in their first nine matches, while playing an attractive brand of football.
We’re talking about West Ham and not Chelsea, by the way. The Hammers sit six points above their more illustrious rivals in an impressive 4th spot.
Eden Hazard was the scapegoat for Jose Mourinho last weekend, with the brilliant Belgian left on the bench for his low work-rate as the Blues broke through for a much-needed 2-0 victory over Aston Villa.
Oddly, West Ham has won just one of its four matches at Upton Park this season, proving more potent on the counter attack, away from home. With this in mind, it could be the week for Chelsea to shake off its shackles and secure a victory to keep alive — mathematically at least — its title defence.
Prediction: West Ham 1-2 Chelsea
Liverpool VS Southampton
Despite walking into an injury crisis at Liverpool, new manager Juergen Klopp achieved a respectable draw at Tottenham Hotspur in his first match after taking over from Brendan Rodgers. Next, a first home game against a mid-table Southampton team is another moderate test awaiting the former Borussia Dortmund boss.
The various ailments that have seen a four-man strike force reduced to Belgian rookie Divock Origi make Klopp’s first weeks difficult. How is he to introduce the kind of full-throttle football, known from his days in the Bundesliga, without the right kind of attacking players up-front?
Nonetheless, the early signs from the charismatic German have been good. Klopp exudes the kind of positive and uplifting vibe that is in contrast to the self-obsessed introspection that marked the final months of Rodgers’ reign.
That should be enough to help an under-strength home side achieve a positive result, but it won’t be easy.
Prediction: Liverpool 1-0 Southampton
Arsenal VS Everton
Arsene Wenger’s team will go top of the table if it can despatch Roberto Martinez’s side on Saturday, and if Manchester City loses to Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Despite their well-documented struggles in Europe, the Gunners have strung together an impressive calendar year in terms of league results.
The move of Theo Walcott to a more central forward position, relegating Olivier Giroud to the bench, has paid dividends. Furthermore, Alexis Sanchez looks even better in his second season in the Premier League. Petr Cech has also proven to be the quality goalkeeper that the club has been missing.
Arsenal and Everton faced off in Singapore in July, with the Gunners winning the final of the Barclays Asia Trophy.
It should be another tight contest with Wenger’s side securing all three precious points.
Prediction: Arsenal 3-1 Everton
By Jason Dasey
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About Jason Dasey
Jason Dasey is Senior Editor for ESPN FC in Singapore, Southeast Asia’s No. 1 football website.[/su_note]
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