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Cape Town - Manchester City host crosstown rivals Manchester United in the Manchester derby on Saturday evening. At the beginning of the 2017/18 campaign, many pundits and analysts predicted this particular fixture to be a title decider.
Unfortunately, the match is more about whether second-placed Manchester United can stop log-leaders Manchester City having a parade on Saturday evening. Should the Citizens beat the Red Devils at the Etihad Stadium, they will be crowned the Champions of England.
Jose will face tactical headaches and selection issues as they prepare for the world famous derby. Will he employ his infamous code-10 bus parking tactics to spoil the party? Or will Pep and his boys be lifting the Premier League trophy after the 90 minutes?
Manchester City
City have been the best team in the premier league by a wide margin hence their 16 point gap at the top of the table. It's only a matter of time until Manchester City are hailed the Champions of England.
I must admit, I stop watching a City game when they score the first goal in any match. Continuing to watch the match is like watching a movie after you have read the review with spoilers.
Manchester City need three points for the league and would love to seal the deal on Saturday evening against their neighbours. Pep Guardiola and his men suffered a heavy 3-0 loss in the quarter-finals of the Champions League on Wednesday night against Liverpool. They will look to bounce back with a resounding win against Rivals United.
Manchester United
Many people (pundits, hopeful United supporters, and people who like sounding smart on TV) thought this would be Manchester United's year as its Jose Mourinho’s second season in change.
Why is Jose Mourinho’s second season so special?
Well, ever since he managed Porto, Jose Mourinho has managed to win a league title in his second season at each major club he has been in charge - Porto, Chelsea (twice), Inter Milan and Real Madrid.
I guess, like Austin Powers, Jose has lost his mojo.
City are a far better team who don't look like they are going to be losing any time soon. On Saturday evening, Manchester United will be playing for pride.
Record
Manchester City last five games in the EPL
WWWWW (100% WIN PERCENTAGE)
Manchester United last five games in the EPL
WWWWL (80% WIN PERCENTAGE)
Prediction
It's no surprise Manchester City at 0.75 are favoured, a draw 2.70, and an unlikely Manchester United win at 3.40.
Manchester City are scoring goals for fun. City's slick passing, pace and talent are too much for their opponents to handle. But, Jose Mourinho is known for suffocating good offensive teams... matter of fact, that is one of two specialities he possesses - the other being boring people to death.
Liverpool showed us an effective game plan which pressed City in their own half and closed down their creative players limiting their time and space. The Reds put Manchester City in the figure-4 leglock on Wednesday night and City looked shell-shocked.
After seeing what Liverpool did to Manchester City, I don't think Jose will park the bus. However, I don't think Manchester United's midfield has the stamina and doggedness that Liverpool does so pressing might not work as effectively.
Manchester City aren’t going to be beaten twice in one week, they will win the Manchester Derby and lift the Premier League Trophy on Saturday night.
