Premier League Preview: Manchester derby dominates fixture list
The midweek Premier League fixture that dominates above all others this week is the Manchester derby at Eastlands.
United are only two points behind Chelsea and they are the only unbeaten side left in the English Premier League.
On the other hand, Manchester City won their last game on Sunday against West Bromwich Albion after losing three consecutive games. Out of which two
came in the Premier League.
United’s French left-back Patrice Evra has singled out Carlos Tevez as City’s most dangerous player. Fully fit from a thigh injury and back from his
hometown, the Argentinean has galvanized his team.
Evra said: “City have spent a lot of money, but for me Carlitos is easily the best player they have, they have other good players, but he attacks and
defends. They couldn't afford to lose him. He is a big player, the most important they have - and every single Manchester City player knows that.”
Mario Balotelli will miss the derby because of suspension he picked after a red card offence against West Brom. The Italian was sent off for violent
conduct. This will be a huge blow for them as the 20-year-old striker is in hot form, and scored 2 goals against the Baggies.
Champions and League leaders Chelsea will entertain rivals Fulham at home; Fulham’s away record was just horrible last season, as they won only one game.
Fulham midfielder Danny Murphy said: “We'll have to be well organised, make sure we've got good shape and discipline and work really hard to keep a clean
sheet, we know we're going to be under the cosh for long periods but of course we must try and cause a threat at the same time.”
Liverpool will be looking for their fifth straight win as they face Wigan Athletic in an away fixture after overpowering Chelsea on Sunday, while Arsenal
will be looking to bounce back at Wolverhampton Wanderers after their home defeat at the hands of Newcastle United.
Tottenham Hotspur will host Sunderland in the pick of Tuesday’s games. The Black Cats’ away record is so bad that any point they take will be a huge
bonus for them, having won just one game on road in the past 15 months. In other games, Stoke City host Birmingham City, who haven’t won in five league games. The Spurs are facing injury problems; they could be without Dutch playmaker Rafael van der Vaart,
England winger Aaron Lennon and striker Darren Bent - all of them have hamstring injuries. High-flying Newcastle United, who beat Arsenal through Andy Carroll’s fantastic header this weekend, will face 16th placed Blackburn Rovers and bottom club West Ham
United face West Bromwich Albion, who are 10th on the table.
Ferguson’s team need to win the derby to keep in touch of Chelsea while Mancini needs to win in order to revive their own title hopes. Whatever the result
may be, for neutrals it will be a spectacle.
Other fixtures include Aston Villa vs. Blackpool, and Everton vs. Bolton Wanderers.
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