UK Football

 Manchester City v Manchester United

Photo: John Dobson               Photo: George Groutas

The Manchester derby. A big one considering last year Manchester City took away all three points from both matches last year, and now have a more improved squad this year. Despite City having failed to fire on all cylinders at times this season, they’re always up for a fight on derby day, and I don’t see today’s match up as being any different.

Both Berbatov and Robinho are expected to make their returns for United and City respectively, which means we should get to see both sides at full attacking strength. But that probably won’t matter, as United just haven’t performed that well away from home this season, and have fared especially badly when given the earlier matches of the day, for some reason they can’t play well around lunchtime I guess?

But, Fergie should be confident, despite going into the City of Manchester stadium after failing to score at all in United’s last two fixtures, Ferguson has an incredible record against club’s managed by former United players. In fact Fergie is 11-0-1 in his last twelve, so Mark Hughes should beware. United will be hungry, Ronaldo looks as good as ever, and Rooney really wants that elusive 100^th club goal. With Berbatov back in the squad, I think United turn back into the type of attacking threat that made them champions last year. City will put up a fight, but United will edge them out 3-1.

Chelsea v Arsenal

photo: John Dobson     Photo: wonker

By far a more important fixture for Arsenal than Chelsea, as the Gunners sit adrift of the Premiership top four, and really have not gotten themselves up to the standard required of a championship team all season. Arsenal need to get something from Stamford Bridge, should Arsene Wenger have absolutely any hopes that the Gunners can stay in the top four. Because I really think if Arsenal drop their sixth loss this early in the season, they’ll be lucky to finish fifth and secure a place in the UEFA Cup with the downfall the players attitudes will suffer.

Remember also that recent history is against Arsenal in this London derby, as the Gunners have only secured victory against Chelsea once in their last 12 meetings. But in the broader picture Arsenal is the club that Chelsea has dropped more points, lost more matches, and conceded more goals against than any other Premier League club.

Meaning the match, given Arsenal’s absolute desperate need for a victory, could be a Premier League classic.

Remember that should the Gunners fall, this would be their third successive league defeat, a stat you just cannot have when you are claiming to be one of England’s elite.

Despite the Gunners desperation I don’t see a way out for them, and I see them conceding yet another loss, furthering their downward slope that’s been building since the end of last season.

The way I see things, Chelsea takes it 2-1, edging out their fellow Londoners at the last minute.

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