English Premier
2006-01-14 - Man City vs Man United
A Sports Betting Pick by Gooner
Let's start with the lunchtime kickoff as United take a short trip to face City in the Manchester derby.MAN CITY (9th) 8-4-9 27:24 WLLDL
Man City have hit a patch of poor form at just the wrong time as far as their fans are concerned and it's difficult to see what manager Stuart Pearce can do.
City were toothless in their last league game - losing 0-2 at home to Tottenham after a poor piece of defending from Distan opened the door for Spurs just before halftime.
City were also a bit dodgy in the Cup game, falling behind to Scunthorpe early on, but a second half hat-trick to a recalled Robbie Fowler turned that into a 3-1 win.
Perhaps the new Spanish midfielder Riera will play for City, and maybe Fowler will keep his place to change things about. Still - it doesn't look a terrifying line-up.
MAN UTD (2nd) 13-6-2 40:17 WWDWD
Manchester United were busy in midweek, fielding a full strength side against Blackburn in the Carling Cup semi-final, and dominated the game but had to settle for a 1-1 draw.
United have looked impressive to me in recent appearances, and certainly I thought that they were the hungrier side in their last league display at Highbury where they drew 0-0 with Arsenal.
If we ignore the FA Cup game against Burton Albion, then United have been in a good run of form since they defeat Chelsea 1-0 at Old Trafford. United have scored 2+ goals in 8 of their 11 away fixtures - winning 7 of them.
That is a powerful argument for an away win here.
HEAD TO HEAD
Each side has two wins apiece in derby games played here since City returned to the Premier League.
City had won the last two games here 3-1 and 4-1 before last seasons fixture, but United put in a polished performance to win 2-0 and balance the ledger.
THE VERDICT
Manchester United are very dependant on Wayne Rooney's drive and Ruud Van Nistelrooy's goals. Still that's a powerful combination.
These two players have scored 25 league goals already this season, and I would not be surprised to see them bag another couple on Saturday - and claim the victory.
The Pick :
Man City 0-2 Man United
