Saturday, May 9, 2009

Manchester Derby United v City


Manchester United go in search of their sixth successive league win in the 151st competitive derby clash against Manchester City.

On course for their 11th Premier League title, United will be full of confidence after qualifying for yet another UEFA Champions League final.

After a superb performance against Arsenal in midweek booked their passage to Rome, the current league leaders now look to do the double over Mark Hughes' City side.

Bidding to follow up a narrow win at Eastlands in November, United need only a maximum seven of their possible 12 remaining points to land their second hat-trick of Premier League titles.

Having already claimed 14 scalps in 2009 alone, Sir Alex Ferguson's side are on a run of 10 games unbeaten - winning eight of those.

Firing on all cylinders the current league leaders have netted no less than 13 goals in their last five games, all of which have resulted in victory.
City news

City themselves can boast a good run of form at present having won their last three Premier League outings.

Victories over West Ham, Everton and Blackburn have seen City rise to eighth position in the table, leaving them in contention for possible entry into Europe.

Their away record, however, has been far from outstanding - having secured only their second league victory on the road against Everton last time out.

Team news

Gary Neville returns to the squad on Sunday after recovering from a month-long foot problem.

United will, however, have to manage without Wes Brown who is struggling with a persistent foot injury.

Brown, who suffered a setback in training, has been ruled out for the rest of the season.

Carlos Tevez, Dimitar Berbatov and Paul Scholes will all be in contention for a place in the starting line-up after making only the bench in midweek.

City midfielder Shaun Wrhight-Phillips will face a late fitness test ahead of the trip to Old trafford.

The 27-year-old has missed the last five games through a persistent ankle problem and has been rated "doubtful" by boss Mark Hughes.

Pablo Zabaleta could be available for selection after returning to training following a hamstring injury.

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