5 Key Things To Watch During The Manchester Derby

The Manchester derby is finally on the horizon. The rivalry between Guardiola and Mourinho is set to take centre stage. Also, Claudio Bravo could make his Man City debut in the highly-anticipated clash.

I take a look at the 5 key areas that will define the clash at Old Trafford.

1. Touchline battle: Jose v Pep is not only about the feud, it is also about the tactical battle between two of the finest managers in modern day football. Guardiola will try to dominate the ball in all areas of the pitch whilst Mourinho will set up his team in a compact manner and to hurt City on the break.
2. City’s defence: the last time both sides met, albeit with different managers in charge, all it had to take was a dummy by teenage sensation, Rashford on Demichelis and boom!!! United carried the day. This time round, City’s defence would have to keep Mata, Rooney, Martial, Ibrahimovic and runs from Pogba, Valencia and Shaw at bay.
3. Midfield battle: it is expected that United’s midfield combination will be made up of Pogba and Fellaini against City’s Fenandinho and Silva-in his new deep-lying playmaker role. It promises to be exciting, looking at what each set of players brings on board. The blend of power and grace of City’s midfield will provide a mouth-watering match up for the sheer strength of United’s anchor-men, more so, as the former pair seek to boss possession.
4. Aguero’s replacement: Nolito? Sterling? Iheanacho? We are all guessing what the ever dynamic Guardiola will do to replace his star striker. Whatever the Catalan does, it must be of similar significance to Aguero’s presence. The Old Trafford side will certainly be set up by Mourinho to be solid at the back, and City needs a marksman with credible threat.
5. Old Trafford crowd: the game will kick off live at the Theatre of Dreams. United’s head coach has stated time and again the importance of the spectators’ support-that 12^th man- to his team’s fortunes. However, the fans will be even more crucial. The fans would have to continue transmitting their emotions to the players even as Pep’s City dominate possession. It is that time again for the Old Trafford faithfuls to help shut down their “noisy neighbours”