Manchester United vs Manchester City Match Preview - City's chance to get back in the title race

With 2 wins in a row, Manchester United seems to have finally seen the dawn of a new day as manager David Moyes hoped for. But the real test whether this is indeed what seems to be a new lease of life or yet another false dawn would be in their game against fierce rivals Manchester City that will be played on Tuesday. Old Trafford has not been the kindest place for Moyes this season, with unwanted records about losing to teams at home being set. He will certainly want to re-write the woeful form in a bid to ensure the belief is back in a set of individuals who only last season were comfortable league winners.

Manchester City, on the other hand, will be looking to ensure that they pick another vital 3 points in the race for the league title. With Chelsea drubbing Arsenal at home, the North London side is pretty much out of the race, leaving Liverpool, Chelsea and City battle it out among themselves. City’s position on the league table does not reflect the true situation, what with them having as many games in hand as they have. It is perhaps testament to the dominance the blue half of Manchester has had in the season, going far in almost all the competitions.

While the Champions League spot is out of the question for Manchester United, the fight is still on in terms of securing a Europa League spot, which would help ensure that there are European nights still to look forward to in the Theatre of Dreams next season. But 3 points will be even more vital for City, as it will help put a dent in Chelsea’s lead, and give them the upper hand in the title race. It will definitely be a game worth watching.

Injuries

With Evra, Nani and Smalling all named on the bench for the game against West Ham United, it looks like David Moyes has some options to choose from. Of course, he will certainly miss Robin van Persie who has been sidelined for 6 weeks, but the 11 that played against West Ham showed a good understanding and fluidity that bodes well for the team.

In similar fashion, Stevan Jovetic was named on the bench for Manchester City against the game against Fulham but Matija Nastasic and Sergio Aguero are still out. Aguero has returned to training but the latest he can be available would be for the game against Arsenal.

Head to Head

The two teams have faced each other 137 times in total in the Premier League, with United enjoying the better win percentage, having 53 to City’s 39. 45 games between them ended in a draw.

Form

Manchester United – WLWWD

Manchester City – WWWDL

Prediction – Manchester United 1-3 Manchester City

Manchester United may well be on a good run of results, but they are no match to the firepower of Manchester City. City will win this game comfortably.