Manchester derby – 3 Key Duels
Manchester City will be up against Manchester United in this weekend’s derby in the Premier League. At the beginning of the season, Manchester City seemed much stronger than Manchester United, having won last year’s Premier League title and automatically establishing themselves as the team to beat this season, but United improved their team before the close of the transfer window, which has elevated their status to that of top-4 contenders. However, City seem to have lost their way recently, remaining win-less in their last three matches and winning six of their last fifteen matches in all competitions. United have not performed better, having won three of nine matches they have played in the League so far. However, City will be low on confidence, following losses to Newcastle during their midweek Capital One Cup clash and to West Ham in the Premier League last weekend. United’s morale will have been boosted by the draw they snatched from the jaws of defeat against a buoyant Chelsea side, which is looking unbeatable.
1. Vincent Kompany vs. Radamel Falcao
If Louis van Gaal goes with the 4-4-2 diamond formation that he has used when both Robin van Persie and Radamel Falcao have been fit, Falcao will play on the left, which means he will come up against Vincent Kompany, the rock of City’s defence on the right side of the centre-back partnership with Eliaquim Mangala. Falcao was jet-lagged last week and did not play in the clash with Chelsea, but he seemed to have hit a semblance of form, scoring two in two, which is an ominous sign for City. Vincent Kompany has been City’s saviour, as he has covered for Mangala, who has been getting used to the Premier League. Kompany will have to defend against Falcao, and ensure that he does not combine with Robin van Persie, to stem the flow of chances created. Falcao’s task will be cut out: to exploit the weak link – Mangala – in defence and put goals past a team that has not been strong defensively.