FOOTBALL

Manchester Derby: Will United beat City?

Published

2 years ago

January 14, 2023

admin

Premier League Preview: Manchester United vs Manchester City

Manchester United will look to reclaim the bragging rights of Manchester supremacy when they open the gates of Old Trafford to their neighbours Manchester City on Saturday afternoon.

City had won the first Manchester derby of the season 6-3, but the Citizens know it could be a much more difficult challenge this time around as Manchester United have been on a great run.

Erik ten Hag have inspired a fantastic response from his team following the 6-3 thrashing at the Etihad in early October.

The Red Devils have played 18 matches since then, and the 3-1 defeat to Aston Villa sticks out like a sore thumb in an otherwise stunning run.

The Aston Villa match is the only one United lost since the last Manchester derby, and they have won all six of their games following the World Cup restart.

The 3-0 win over Charlton Athletic midweek in the EFL Cup marked Ten Hag’s 20th victory as the Manchester United boss. He reached that milestone in only 27 matches. Not even Sir Alex Ferguson can match that feat.

But a more steadfast test of Manchester United’s credentials lies ahead as they are about to face Manchester City at home before travelling to Arsenal, who currently occupy the top spot in the standings. If they can pick up three points on Saturday, the prospects of a title charge will not sound much audacious anymore.

Man United are already fourth on the table, and a win against City will bring them within a point of their Manchester rivals.

Arsenal face a daunting challenge in their next match as they will travel beyond enemy lines to play Tottenham Hotspur in a North London derby. If Arsenal drops points on Sunday, United could be six or seven points away from the top spot with 20 rounds of Premier League action left to go.

Team News

Bruno Fernandes will be back in the lineup after sitting out the Charlton match to serve a one-match suspension.

Jadon Sancho has yet to recover match fitness, so he will sit out again. Raphaël Varane and Luke Shaw expect to return to the lineup after being rested midweek.

On the other hand, Manchester City come off the back of a bittersweet week.

They crushed Chelsea 4-0 in the FA Cup third round but fell to a surprise 2-0 defeat in the EFL Cup quarterfinal to Southampton.

Uncharacteristically, Manchester City players failed to register a single on-target shot throughout the 90 minutes.

It brought back the horrors of Man City’s embarrassing 3-0 loss to Liverpool in the Champions League quarterfinals five years ago. That night, Alisson Becker was untested on the Liverpool goal as Manchester City could not keep any of their attempts on target.

But the Premier League is a different proposition. So, Pep Guardiola is hopeful of getting a fully focused team ready to retain their Manchester glory.

They also know that more than city pride is at stake on Saturday, as a loss might potentially lead to Arsenal stretching their lead to eight points.

Rúben Dias will watch from the stands once again as he nurses a hamstring injury. John Stones could not make it to the Southampton match squad, but he should be cleared to start against United.

That means Kyle Walker will go back to his natural right-back spot. Sergio Gómez could be preferred over João Cancelo once again.

Our Prediction

Manchester City have an excellent record in Manchester derbies.

They have own more away matches at Old Trafford than any other teams in Premier League history.

Man United is a more organized and in-form unit now, than they were in October. But, Man City’s urgency to keep up with Arsenal and bounce back with a win following the Southampton defeat could propel the visitors to another derby win.

We say, Manchester City 2-1 Manchester United.

Kickoff: 15 January, 6 PM (IST)

Venue: Old Trafford

FOOTBALL

Man United’s Home Loss and Ipswich’s Upset Win Over Chelsea

Published

15 hours ago

December 31, 2024

Maadhav

Manchester United suffers a home defeat while Ipswich upsets Chelsea, showcasing the unpredictability of the Premier League.

Manchester United faced another disappointing loss at home, further deepening their struggles in the Premier League. The Red Devils were unable to break down their opponent’s defense, leading to a lackluster performance.

Despite home advantage, United lacked the creativity and urgency to create meaningful chances. Their defense, too, was porous, allowing their rivals to exploit their weaknesses. The team’s inability to capitalize on set-pieces and counter-attacks was evident.

Ipswich Town caused a major upset by defeating Chelsea in an intense Premier League encounter. Their tactical discipline and determination played a crucial role in overcoming the Blues. Ipswich exploited Chelsea’s defensive lapses, securing a crucial win away from home.

Chelsea, known for their attacking prowess, were caught off guard by Ipswich’s relentless pressing. The Blues were unable to recover after conceding, and their offensive struggles continue to show. Their inability to maintain possession and control the game cost them valuable points.

Both teams now face mounting pressure as the Premier League race intensifies. Manchester United’s failure to perform at home raises concerns about their top-four aspirations, while Chelsea’s loss highlights their inconsistency this season.

This round of fixtures has once again highlighted the unpredictable nature of the Premier League. Ipswich’s win against Chelsea proves that in football, no team is unbeatable.

Manchester United will need to regroup and address their weaknesses to stay competitive in the league. Meanwhile, Chelsea must find a solution to their ongoing issues to remain in the title race.

BIG NEWS

Manchester City Beats Leicester City to End Losing Streak

Published

2 days ago

December 30, 2024

Maadhav

Manchester City secures a vital win against Leicester City, ending their losing streak and boosting their Premier League campaign.

Manchester City ended their losing streak with a convincing win against Leicester City, restoring their dominance in the Premier League. The team displayed precision and control, regaining momentum in their campaign.

City’s attacking brilliance was evident as they created numerous chances and maintained possession throughout the game. The midfield controlled the tempo, allowing the forwards to break Leicester’s defensive line effectively.

The opening goal came from a well-executed move, showcasing City’s ability to convert opportunities under pressure. The team’s coordination and tactical discipline kept Leicester on the back foot.

Leicester City struggled to counter Manchester City’s high pressing and quick transitions. Despite a few counterattacking attempts, they failed to break through City’s resolute defense.

This victory not only ended Manchester City’s recent setbacks but also reaffirmed their title aspirations. The win boosted morale and placed them back in contention for the league’s top spots.

City’s defense remained solid, neutralizing Leicester’s key attacking threats. Their goalkeeper made crucial saves, ensuring a clean sheet and securing the win.

Manager Pep Guardiola praised the team’s performance, highlighting their determination to bounce back. He emphasized the importance of maintaining this momentum in upcoming matches.

Leicester City’s defeat highlighted their struggles this season, as they continue to face challenges in finding consistent form. Their inability to capitalize on opportunities and defensive lapses contributed to the loss.

As the Premier League progresses, Manchester City looks to build on this performance and reclaim their dominance. The team’s ability to adapt and overcome challenges remains a key strength.

FOOTBALL

Cristiano Ronaldo Claims Saudi Pro League Surpasses Ligue 1 in Quality

Published

2 days ago

December 29, 2024

Jelan

Cristiano Ronaldo, renowned for his candid remarks, recently stirred debate at the 2024 Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai. The Al Nassr star addressed a range of topics, including the Ballon d’Or, Manchester United’s form, and a bold claim comparing the Saudi Pro League to Ligue 1.

Ronaldo, who currently plays in the Saudi Pro League, stated unequivocally, “The Saudi Pro League is better than Ligue 1, of course. I’m not saying that because I play here. I don’t care what people think about it. Players should come here and they will see quickly.”

He further emphasized the challenging conditions in Saudi Arabia, saying, “Just try to do sprints at 38, 39, 40 degrees… Come and you will see. In France, they only have PSG; everyone else is finished. Nobody can beat them because they have the most money and the best players.”

Ligue 1’s Response

In response, Ligue 1’s Spanish X account shared a photo of Lionel Messi lifting the 2022 World Cup trophy in Qatar. The post subtly highlighted that Messi was playing for PSG at the time, drawing a contrast with Ronaldo, who had been benched during Portugal’s campaign in the same tournament.

The Ronaldo vs Messi Rivalry

The rivalry between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi remains one of football’s most iconic debates. Their contrasting styles, records, and achievements have captivated fans worldwide. During their prime years, Ronaldo and Messi faced off in La Liga while representing Real Madrid and Barcelona, respectively.

Both players boast over 800 career goals for club and country, with Ronaldo holding the record for the most official goals scored. Their legacies, defined by extraordinary talent and relentless ambition, continue to spark conversations in the football world.

Ronaldo’s assertion about the Saudi Pro League has reignited discussions about the global competitiveness of football leagues. With more players joining the Saudi Pro League, its status in the football hierarchy is increasingly being recognized.