EFL Cup: Round of 16

Manchester Derby: Manchester United FC vs Manchester City FC
Manchester, England
Old Trafford, 3:00pm EST

This Wednesday will feature what is sure to be a hotly contested match between city rivals as the Red Devils play host to the Citizens for the second time this season, in what is called the Manchester Derby!  This time around, the game has a little bit more than bragging rights and Prem League Table positioning on the line, as it’s a one off battle in the English Football League Cup Round of 16. This means that the winner advances to the Quarterfinals and the loser is eliminated, and is sent sulking all the way home.  In the paragraphs to follow, I will feature key players to watch for, discuss the fantastic atmosphere that Old Trafford will provide, and touch upon the rivalry that is between these two Manchester clubs.

The Manchester Derby can be dated back to 1881 when Newton Heath (present day Manchester United) defeated West Gorton (currently Manchester City) 3-0. Since that day, there’s been 172 total meetings between these rivals.  Man U holds a 71 to 50 edge in wins over City, and there are 51 draws between the them.  In addition to the Red Devils derby dominance, they’ve dwarfed the Citizens’ trophy cabinet was well.  Over its illustrious history, Man United holds domestic records for league titles (20), Community Shields (21), and FA Cups (12), to go along with three Champions League Trophies.  Meanwhile, City has only won the English League and Community Shield on four occasions and the FA cup five time, also, aChampions League triumph has yet to occur.  Therefore, its clear which club has carried the flag not only in this in-city rivalry, but for the county of England as a whole.  With all of that said, its all history, it’s all in the past. In the here and now, its actually Man City that’s staked claim of the city of Manchester, and barred the British flag in the Champions League. Although not winning, they lost to the eventual champions in each of the past two Knockout Rounds.  Yes, the Citizens won its most recent league title in 2013-14 and are currently tied for 1st in the English Premier League, whereas Man United is currently seventh in the standings and six points back of City.  Also, as previously mentioned these two faced off back in September and City won 2-1 at Old Trafford.  Thus, this rivalry is indeed that, as both sides are competitive with the typical second fiddled City club actually being the favorites, adding even more intrigue to the match.

The three players I’ve picked to watch for on Manchester United are Goalkeeper David De Gea, Midfielder Paul Pogba, and Striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.  New additions Zlatan and Pogba have both underwhelmed since joining the Red Devils during the summer transfer window.  While Zlatan came on a spree and started the season off in fine form scoring 6 goals in his first seven games, he's failed to net since.  Moreover, with his larger than life personality, he must begin producing once more or the pundits that had said time and again that he couldn’t hack it in the Prem Legue will be proven right and Man U will fail to meet its lofty expectations.  In addition, Paul Pogba who moved to United via a world record $89.1 million transfer fee from Juventus needs to turn things around and quickly.  For me, his performance decline began during the EURO’s when French Manager Didier DesChamps put Pogba in a deep midfield role acting more as a defensive midfielder rather than an attacking or box-to-box midfielder which is what he excels at.  Needless to say, his impact on the French squad was minimal by his and everyone else’s standards.  And for whatever reason, Man U Manager Jose Mourinho has done the same thing, placing Pogba farther back, which as a result limits his attacking capabilities.  In this match he must push forward and provide an added offensive threat for the Man U attack in order for the Red Devils to win.  Hopefully Mourinho tinkers with his lineup and puts Pogba in an attacking midfield role similar to that of when he was at Juve. Because when utilized properly Pogba can be electric with the football.  Lastly for United, David De Gea must have himself his typical magnificent performance between the sticks, because City possesses a dynamic offensive attack, and with Man U’s August Player of the Month Eric Bailly now out injured for United, expect City to create even more chances.

As for City, its attacking front three in Sergio Aguero, Kevin DeBruyne, and Raheem Sterling are expected to provide constant pressure for the United defense.  Aguero will have a point to prove as he was left out of the starting XI for Man City’s clash with Barca a week ago, and failed to score against Southampton at the weekend.  He needs to get back on track and prove to Pep, City’s Manager, that he can still light up the score sheet. If not then the youngster on the bench behind him in Kelechi Iheanacho is ready to seize his opportunity, as he’s produced seemingly every time out.  Kevin DeBruyne however, continues to be City’s best player.  He along with Iheanacho scored in September’s Manchester Derby, and I fully expect the Belgian International to create some terrific opportunities this go round.  Lastly, Sterling must press the flanks with his quick pace, putting pressure on either Antonio Valencia or Daily Blind.

This match will no doubt provide some fireworks, and there are few better venues to witness a high quality spectacle than at Old Trafford!  The Theatre of Dreams as its been dubbed by Manchester United Legend, Sir Bobby Charlton, has played host to a Champions League Final, World Cup matches, Euro fixtures, Olympic Games, and countless championship caliber United squads over its 100 plus year history.  Its a stadium, a venue, that has deep rooted history. It’swhere simply the finest footballers, or athletes in general have put their world class talents on display in front of nearly 76,000 fans.  And on Wednesday night, The Theatre of Dreams will play host to a heavyweight bout between United and City in the 173rd Manchester Derby! So tune in at 3pm EST on Bein Sports to watch the spectacle take shape. 

As for the winner, my head tells me City, but my heart tells me United.  And after the Red Devils embarrassing showing at the weekend losing 4-0 at Chelsea, coupled with the fact that City got the best of them last time out, I believe that United has to come out and show some grit and toughness. They must provide a physical and passionate performance as Pogba and company edge City at the end, providing great drama inside The Theatre!

LSB Prediction: 3-2 Manchester United FC