Derby Day Approaches!

It has finally arrived upon us, the Manchester Derby, Red Vs Blue, Big Brother Vs Little Brother. In recent years the derby hasn't meant much to United or in fact United fans. City were not a force and the result was rarely in doubt, and even if City did manage to win it was nothing according to the Red Side of Manchester. But times have changed, the little weak brother is no longer so, the noisy neighbors now pose a threat and if you ask the Blue side, this game will be the changing of the guard and the start of a new era.

All factors point to City being successful in the Premier League and in fact most competitions, however it's still painfully clear that United are every one's favorites for the Premiership and rightly so, they have the second  if not the best manager in the world in Sir Alex Ferguson. A good mix of the zeal of the young and wisdom of the old and world class striker who is in good form when he is not being shown red. But most of all they have trophies, lots of them, they have done it before where as City haven't.

As a City supporter I have been waiting for this day since the Community Shield where everyone knows the cruel fate City endured. I'm packed to the brim with pride and excitement, now is the time for us to prove our worth and fire back. However there is a small sector of fear within, knowing that if City do indeed fall short the banter will be endless. The repetitive news line "money can't this money can't that" will echo through the media for days. (For me that is the most frustrating line, of course they haven't done much yet they have only been building for 2 and a half to three years, you don't win trophies overnight.).

Manchester United will enter this encounter favorites, which, bias a side I find an unfair statement. After both sides have played 8 games Manchester City find themselves ahead by 2 points only drawing one game against Fulham where they surrendered a 2 goal lead at Craven Cottage. Now one point in favour of  Manchester United is they have played Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal (which I don't think counts) but they haven't been impressive in their last 3 outings. They have drawn with stoke, they beat Nowrich 2-0 despite Nowrich dominating and having the best two chances of the game and they escaped with a draw against Liverpool scoring in the 80's. Where as City have won their last three by 9 goals accumulated. Another factor which plays into the hands of United is that the game is indeed at Old Trafford but so was the Community Shield which saw City again squander a 2 goal lead with United pinching the win in the 91st through a freak accident which will not happen again. City were also without Aguero and Nasri for that fixture, so I I'm not sure United deserve their favorites tag for this game.

Another reason I feel united are 'favorites' is because of the stigma City have received. City has come across some wealth in the last few years and has bought big in the transfer market and as a result has seen some success. As you would imagine this is to the discomfort of other clubs who are not as financially blessed and so supporters of other clubs who are indeed jealous have started ridiculing them for spending the money. These other supporters are acting as if they would not spend the money if it was available is absurd and childish. However all of this probably plays into City's hands as all they have known is the underdog tag, no one expects them to win and it's safe to say only the blue side wants them to win. So I say this the pressure is on YOU Manchester United players and fans, YOUR the great mighty club put us in OUR place. As you may have guessed I'm backing City in this one to win 2-1 and silence the critics and naysayers. Well at least I hope. CTID.