Written By Shahan Ahmed
Follow him @perfectpass on Twitter
Monday’s Manchester derby is not just about Manchester City versus Manchester United, a battle for bragging rights in the city, or revenge for October’s 6-1 thrashing. No, this Manchester derby is significantly more important than a regular derby. Monday night features the best team in the English Premier League playing against the second best team in the English Premier League with the league title hanging in the balance.
Like Barcelona versus Real Madrid, Juventus versus AC Milan, or Borussia Dortmund versus Bayern Munich, a top two clash late in the season promises and delivers a superior grade of football drama. Less than three weeks ago in Germany, Borussia Dortmund handled the challenge of Bayern Munich in a match that saw Arjen Robben miss from the penalty spot five minutes from full time. Only last weekend in Spain, Real Madrid’s El Clasico victory effectively ended Barcelona’s challenge on La Liga, but the match involved a dramatic double from Cristiano Ronaldo and an uncharacteristic one shot performance from Messi.
In Italy, the final meeting between the top two—Juventus and AC Milan—was mired in controversy and the repressions of that match are still being felt. A headed goal by Sully Muntari was not given despite the ball clearly crossing the goal line. The linesman and the head referee failed to acknowledge the action. The ignored header would have put Milan up 2-0, but instead, Juve fought back and each team took home a point. Had Milan gone on to win that match and collect 3 points, they would now lead the table by a single point over Juventus. Instead, since Juve benefited from the obvious error, the team from Turin is three matches away from completing an undefeated Serie A campaign and hoisting the Scudetto.
Wayne Rooney won last year's derby with a spectacular bicycle kick
On Monday night, the top two teams in England meet. With only three matches remaining in the campaign, this is virtually a title deciding match. A win for the home side would put Manchester City top of the table based on goal differential, and that is a likely outcome.
Monday’s match is at the Etihad Stadium, home to Manchester City. City are undefeated at home in this season’s Premier League. Not only are City undefeated, they have won 16 of their 17 Premiership matches at home. With Manchester City having won their last three matches by an aggregate score of 12-1, it is safe to declare Manchester City are the inform side and clear favorite.
Last season, Manchester United won the title with 80 points after 38 matches. This season, United already have 83 points and only lead by 3points. Last season, United’s nearest challenger finished the season with 71 points, 9 points back. City already have 80 points ahead of Monday’s encounter, expressing the superior quality the two Manchester clubs possess over the rest of England. Both these sides have improved on last season, and these are clearly the two best teams in England. The order, however, can be debated ad nauseam, and that is precisely why this match promises twists, turns, and drama.
Free Expert Pick
Pick is Manchester City at 2.210
I’m 0-2 this weekend, so I’m sharing this pick for free. Along with City’s early season thrashing of United and the home field advantage, Manchester City have been playing better football that United as of late. This match only has meaning due to United dropping points in two of the last three Premiership matches.
AccuScore is projecting value on City winning, as 59.5% of the 10,000 simulations the computer performed resulted in City winning. Oddsmakers currently only give Man City a 45.6% chance of winning. This season, the computer is 14-7 when projecting value on Manchester City winning.
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