Build up to the Derby

[Arjan Van Schotte]

Can i just remind everyone that although the media will bill this as the title decider - it isn't.

having said that - should we lose, it will clearly demonstrate that the "new money" of city have a long way to go and have been taught a masterclass by the wily old fox surly alex. The noisy neighbours, or upstarts if you like will have to go back to the drawing board and hope to scrape fourth...

Should we win however - it will prove that everything bobby manc has done is correct and we're in a real 2-horse race, and will surely buy the champions league and fa cup this season, if we can beat united several more times of course.

All of this rests on just one game - it's make or break if you will. We must win or we are doomed to failure.

[Beeks]

For some weird reason I'm less confident than I've ever been for this one despite our brilliant start

Rags always get the rub of the green at owed trafford

I just hope for a strong referee

[brite blu sky]

Some journo mentioned that the game is now more important for the rags not to lose it. I suppose he is saying that cos of the psychological effect rather than pts, so it's just hot air really.. but i do take the point and it wouldn't surprise me if that is also the realisation in the rag camp... even though they know full well it doesn't really matter who wins the derby.

We may see a more cautious line up from them as a result. I only think that can help City's cause imo.

[Arjan Van Schotte]

Some journo mentioned that the game is now more important for the rags not to lose it. I suppose he is saying that cos of the psychological effect rather than pts, so it's just hot air really.. but i do take the point and it wouldn't surprise me if that is also the realisation in the rag camp... even though they know full well it doesn't really matter who wins the derby.

We may see a more cautious line up from them as a result. I only think that can help City's cause imo.

i think the opposite tbh - i think that they'll really attack us, particularly in the first 20 mins/half hour.

[Chinners]

Some journo mentioned that the game is now more important for the rags not to lose it. I suppose he is saying that cos of the psychological effect rather than pts, so it's just hot air really.. but i do take the point and it wouldn't surprise me if that is also the realisation in the rag camp... even though they know full well it doesn't really matter who wins the derby.

We may see a more cautious line up from them as a result. I only think that can help City's cause imo.

That journo is probably just another one of Demento's mouthpieces playing the psychological gambit early.

[s1ty m]

I hope they do have a go at us. City can demolish teams if they do that. I just want Bobby Manc to name an attacking line-up as I'm sure Baconface will and we should fight fire with fire.

[Bridge'srightfoot]

I honestly think the two derbies will go a long way to deciding the title. Win at OT and we'll open up a big gap as well as a superior goal difference. Although it's early in the season a win would be massive and not just for pride.

[King Kev]

When was the last time we went into a Derby game above them in the league?

[Alioune DVToure]

When was the last time we went into a Derby game above them in the league?

Possibly August '07 or September '09?

[Douglas Higginbottom]

I hope the ref and his assistants have a shocking game and make loads of mistakes but all in our favour.We will play poorly and only survive due to lucky bounces, bad decisons and deflected own goals with the scum having 2 perfectly good goals disallowed in the last 3 minutes of the 110 that are played. a 3 .2 win for us and baconface will campaign for the game to be replayed,supported of course by most of the press.

[Dameerto]

I really would laugh if we won it with a late injury time goal (once I'd been revived in the back of an ambulance). Failing that, a four goal margin just to help my blood pressure.

[brite blu sky]

Some journo mentioned that the game is now more important for the rags not to lose it. I suppose he is saying that cos of the psychological effect rather than pts, so it's just hot air really.. but i do take the point and it wouldn't surprise me if that is also the realisation in the rag camp... even though they know full well it doesn't really matter who wins the derby.

We may see a more cautious line up from them as a result. I only think that can help City's cause imo.

i think the opposite tbh - i think that they'll really attack us, particularly in the first 20 mins/half hour.

I could see that happening too tbh.. although it would only be maintainable by them if we start slowly or disjointed.

The reasoning behind the journos angle imo could be that if you assess the two midfields and the systems played then you would probably conclude that City had the edge for a midfield battle.. partly some better players and possibly mainly the fluid system we use, not to mention the quick passing. For that reason it would actually be sensible for the rags to bolster their midfield to try and even it up... not unlike the Anfield game.

As someone has said, if they do come out all out attack it would at least allow us the chance of a counter and with Silva and Aguero at hand that is dangerous.

Truth be told we don't know, but imo it is no different for the rags in terms of working out a way of keeping us from playing our game. Just ask the question if you were a manager of even a top team how would you go about trying to stop City.. it isn't easy.

[Bridge'srightfoot]

The thing about the rags though is they are so clinical in big games. If they get a chance they take it. They can play shit the whole game and get a breakthrough out of nothing.

[MaineRoadMemories]

United 0-1 CITY
Owen Hargreaves in the 92 minute please!

[Alioune DVToure]

United 0-1 CITY
Owen Hargreaves in the 92 minute please!

Apparently he associates the Swamp with injury and trauma or something so it might not be the best idea to play him!

[Duckman]

and what if we win by....3:0?

[brite blu sky]

and what if we win by....3:0?

Everywhere a City fan works there will be a number of other mancunians strangely missing on Monday morning.

[Kladze]

It's a derby and, as always, totally unpredictable.

One thing we simply MUST be though is fast off the blocks - a slow start could kill us before we know where we are.

[Gamle Haslum]

A proper way to build up the atmosphere is to sign a maori-warrior and throw a haka in thir faces. Thereafter called the All Blues :-)
Immature, aren`t I.

[Patrick]

Funny one this, they have much more to lose than us, even a draw is a big fat bloody nose for bacon chops, and they aren't exactly brimming with confidence at the moment.

I fancy us to be honest, but I'm still having to wear panty liners