The 198th Manchester derby don come, and e dey “absolutely huge” for both Manchester United and Manchester City, according to Citizens expert Steven McInerney from Esteemed Kompany. Saturday lunchtime Premier League showdown go happen for Old Trafford, and both sides dey feel pressure to collect maximum points, not just bragging rights.
Michael Carrick go lead Man United for first time since him appointment, and the Red Devils dey try end three successive league draws and bounce back from 2-1 FA Cup third-round defeat at home to Brighton.
United don win only one of their last six Premier League games and dem don drop to seventh, but them still dey three points behind fourth-placed Liverpool, meaning Champions League still dey possible with 17 games left.
Man City dey come on the back of two domestic cup wins: 10-1 thrashing of Exeter City in FA Cup, followed by 2-0 first-leg win at Newcastle for EFL Cup semi-final. Before that, Pep Guardiola side don draw three times in a row in Premier League, giving Arsenal six-point gap at the top. Second-placed Citizens now dey play catch-up for top spot.
“You Can’t Ignore Derby Impact”
McInerney expect packed Old Trafford crowd go boost Man United, especially with former captain Carrick at the helm, but he also believe say “much better” Man City fit show up.
“[The importance of this derby is] absolutely huge. I think away at Old Trafford fit sharpen City senses, because them go feel the noise and pressure. United fans go dey all for it. United never win since beating Newcastle just after Christmas, dem dey really poor form, so them go wan make mark. City get better squad pass United, but you no fit ignore derby factor,” McInerney tell Sports Mole.
He also highlight Phil Foden and Erling Haaland as key threats for City, and hope Rodri and Bernardo Silva fit play. “City get too much quality, United midfield dey all over the place,” he add.
Scrape or Comfortable: No Draw Expected
McInerney no see draw happening, saying either Man United go “scrape a win” or Man City go “win comfortably.”
“I fit see City win 3-1. United fit score small, but City quality go be too much. Frustrating day for United with boos at full time fit happen. No middle ground,” he talk.
Cherki Could Shine at Old Trafford
Expert also highlight Rayan Cherki as key man for City. “Cherki go love Old Trafford, e fit light up stadium and embarrass defenders like Patrick Dorgu or Diogo Dalot. E go be big game player,” McInerney added. Cherki don score six goals and nine assists in 24 appearances since joining City from Lyon for £34m, including important goal in 2-0 EFL Cup win at Newcastle midweek.
McInerney also pick five other City stars he want to see play and point out which United players fit cause Citizens wahala.
