the MEN is running a story on the options available and possible tactics
http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/manchester_city/s/1216741_mancini_ponders_derby_tactics
Something that is seriously in our favour is that the rags have to go for a win for any realistic chance of salvaging their season. Perhaps normally that might be a concern, but it plays into our hands if we field that front 4.
Baconface has a problem cos i rekon he would want to go against the accepted wisdom of a 5 man mid, and play 2 up front in a 4-4-2. But that would play into City's hands imo. So i can see him accepting the 4-5-1 as the only option.
That leaves City with the disadvantage in the midfield if we stick to the 4-4-2.
Can Barry and DeJong cope with that with a lot of help from AJ, Bellers and Tevez ?
I think it is a gamble, but also a gamble that is worth it for a couple of reasons.
1. to be able to keep that front 4, for all its potential fear inducing danger
2. to allow both the front4 and the 2 mids another chance to show that they can deal with it against a better side than Brum. DeJong is good at upping his game and Barry is getting into form, so imo they both deserve the chance to have a go.
Both Aj and Barry are very accurate with longer passes out of defensive areas.. we saw that against Brum to good effect. So if AJ helps out defensively in midfield more than he might if it wasn't the rags.. he can still be devastating from a deeper position.
If we go ahead and then frustrate them, they will be just as vunerable as any other team who are trying to push forward.. and we all know what City can do in those situations.
If we fail to make an impact due to the midfield losing the attackers, we can bring on Vieira and go for a different approach.
If we go goals down i dont think it matters, as the rags will concede space, and wont be able to hold us out all game, so imo we will get back in and then have too much momentum for them.
Personally i dont think we have to show any fear of what may happen, we should go all out for a couple of goals and then they really are in a trap.. trying to get back in the game with Tevez, Ade, Bellers, AJ or SWP at some point all running at them.. Cheerio u***d