David Sadler: Leaky defences could make it one of the best
It is not often that a Premier League derby between the top two sides sees both teams having to convince the nation they are worthy of their lofty positions.
There were few arguments when United and City occupied those positions in the title race climax last May.
But with City going out in Europe and United dismally losing at home to Cluj on Wednesday, there are many questions around as people ponder on shortcomings in both sides and wonder how they are still the leading pair in England.
With so much focus on alleged deficiencies in both camps I have a sneaking feeling this Sunday could be a goal-fest to match some of the best Manchester derbies in history.
I think both the Reds and Blues have answers to come up with and that can spark a memorable 90 minutes.
Of course, a goal bonanza would mean that Sir Alex Ferguson has not been able to correct the Achilles heel defensively that has nagged at Uniteds efforts to get to the top of the league.
But up front Fergie has no such problems.
Robin van Persie was the signing of the summer and City and their support will have looked on a touch enviously as the Dutchman has proved his class at Old Trafford.
Would Citys goal output still be sluggish if RVP was wearing sky blue instead?
He has been fantastic but the slight downside is that it has been having a knock-on effect for Wayne Rooneys goal statistics.
The England striker was Uniteds main man last season with 34 goals.
Sir Alex Ferguson - Win would be one of the best ever
Time for ! Manchest er United to tighten up
He was carrying one heck of a burden but answered the call superbly.
A sidekick producing around 25 goals was a must but, in signing such a player, it has forced Fergie to employ Rooney in a deeper role just behind the Dutch import.
He has scored just five goals as a result of his extra work elsewhere. But this is the Wayne Rooney we all expected him to become. I think he is a more all-round complete player now.
We saw at Reading his true capabilities in this freer role when he scored twice and set up RVP as well as covering acres of ground badgering away at Reading.
I dont think Wayne can repeat his 34 goals from last season in this different role but I think as he beds into this berth he will get his fair share and his total wont be an issue or cause for any worrying debate.
If Van Persie performs like he has been doing and Rooney produces that Reading display again, then United will be bang on for a derby win.
My big fear on the flip side is that City are hurting badly after their dismal European effort. Theyve been blasted this week since going out against Borussia Dortmund for becoming the worst English side in the Champions League after getting only three points. They took the label from Blackburn Rovers.
That tag will be killing City you can be sure of that and I fear a backlash.
What better way to answer critics than a derby win?
It seems ridiculous to be talking about success on Sunday kick-starting someones season when Manchester occupies the top two places in the Premier League but that is the truth of the matter. There is a lot at stake at the Etihad.
There were few arguments when United and City occupied those positions in the title race climax last May.
But with City going out in Europe and United dismally losing at home to Cluj on Wednesday, there are many questions around as people ponder on shortcomings in both sides and wonder how they are still the leading pair in England.
With so much focus on alleged deficiencies in both camps I have a sneaking feeling this Sunday could be a goal-fest to match some of the best Manchester derbies in history.
I think both the Reds and Blues have answers to come up with and that can spark a memorable 90 minutes.
Of course, a goal bonanza would mean that Sir Alex Ferguson has not been able to correct the Achilles heel defensively that has nagged at Uniteds efforts to get to the top of the league.
But up front Fergie has no such problems.
Robin van Persie was the signing of the summer and City and their support will have looked on a touch enviously as the Dutchman has proved his class at Old Trafford.
Would Citys goal output still be sluggish if RVP was wearing sky blue instead?
He has been fantastic but the slight downside is that it has been having a knock-on effect for Wayne Rooneys goal statistics.
The England striker was Uniteds main man last season with 34 goals.
Sir Alex Ferguson - Win would be one of the best ever
Time for ! Manchest er United to tighten up
He was carrying one heck of a burden but answered the call superbly.
A sidekick producing around 25 goals was a must but, in signing such a player, it has forced Fergie to employ Rooney in a deeper role just behind the Dutch import.
He has scored just five goals as a result of his extra work elsewhere. But this is the Wayne Rooney we all expected him to become. I think he is a more all-round complete player now.
We saw at Reading his true capabilities in this freer role when he scored twice and set up RVP as well as covering acres of ground badgering away at Reading.
I dont think Wayne can repeat his 34 goals from last season in this different role but I think as he beds into this berth he will get his fair share and his total wont be an issue or cause for any worrying debate.
If Van Persie performs like he has been doing and Rooney produces that Reading display again, then United will be bang on for a derby win.
My big fear on the flip side is that City are hurting badly after their dismal European effort. Theyve been blasted this week since going out against Borussia Dortmund for becoming the worst English side in the Champions League after getting only three points. They took the label from Blackburn Rovers.
That tag will be killing City you can be sure of that and I fear a backlash.
What better way to answer critics than a derby win?
It seems ridiculous to be talking about success on Sunday kick-starting someones season when Manchester occupies the top two places in the Premier League but that is the truth of the matter. There is a lot at stake at the Etihad.
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