Manchester United v Manchester City
Football: England, Carling League Cup 2009/2010
Wednesday, 27th January 2010 - Kickoff 8pm

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Manchester United

Manchester United will be hoping events on the pitch rather than off it grab the headlines this week as they look to overturn the 2-1 deficit they returned with from the City of Manchester Stadium. There has been unrest in the stands after the revelations surrounding the debts accumulated by the owners of the club and Sir Alex Ferguson has pleaded for the supporters to get behind the team.

The 4-0 win over Hull City on Saturday allowed Manchester United to go back on top of the Premier League as the first team to hit the 50 point mark this season. They have a 10-1-1 record at Old Trafford where they have scored 31 goals and only conceded 8. United, along with Chelsea, have accumulated the most points at home so far this season.

The Red Devils continue winning at home, and the victory over Hull here on Saturday was their 4th at Old Trafford in the last 5 games. However, the one defeat they did encounter was in a domestic cup competition. Leeds won that game 0-1, the only goal United have conceded here in their last 5 games.

Nemanja Vidic is out but Rio Ferdinand will be allowed to play after being charged by the FA with a violent conduct charge. There are no other fresh concerns in the squad.

Manchester City

Manchester City continued their goal of securing at least 1 cup competition by progressing through to the 5th round of the FA Cup on Sunday in a game where Roberto Mancini was able to rest 9 players who started the Semi Final last week.

City have put aside achieving a top 4 place at the moment with all these Cup games, but still sit in 5th on goal difference. They have struggled away from home in the League somewhat and they have a 3-5-3 record, scoring and conceding 16 goals. They have the least away wins of the sides in the top 8.

The Citizens continue to flourish under the guidance of their new Italian manager and they have now won 7 of their last 8 games in all competitions including the vital 2-1 win over United last week. They have won 3 of their last 4 games away from home in all competitions, 2 of those coming at sides in the Leagues below.

Kolo Toure has returned from the African Cup of Nations but cannot be expected to start. Emmanuel Adebayor has also returned fom compassionate leave and should have a place on the bench. Robinho will be available as his move away from Eastlands has yet to clear.

Head to Head

This is the 3rd meeting of the season between the sides, possibly a more common occurence in the future, and both sides have a win apiece.

City's win last week went a little way to making their fans feel better after their sickening 4-3 defeat at Old Trafford earlier this season.

United have only lost once at home to City in recent seasons, and that could be put down to the pressure created by the 50th anniversary of the Munich Air Disaster. The Red Devils have beaten their City rivals in 3 of the last 4 here.

Prediction

I have my concerns about Manchester United, and still feel they are a side to play against, especially when they play away from Old Trafford. At home, United have still looked strong and the return of key defensive players has strengthened them again.

Manchester City played well last week and it will be interesting to see the kind of tactics Mancini employs- in Italy he had a reputation to use attack as the best form of defence so I dont think City will sit back and allow pressure to build on themselves. They have more injuries to contend with than United and this could be the difference.

I think United will score goals against this City backline and I also feel they are going to progress within the 90 minutes. Defensively City are struggling, and while they can pose problems, I think the prices are decent enough for United to win the game.

The Pick :

Manchester United 3-1 Manchester City

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

Take Manchester United to WIN

HANDICAP BETTING :

For the braver punters Manchester United - 1.5 pay a good price.