No doubt about this, many, just as I am, will be very anxious to see if it will be the Blue side of Manchester or its Red side that will take the day as they battle it out to claim the 2nd EFL final spot in their 2nd Manchester derby in all competitions this season.
Although the first derby match between these 2 sides this season ended in a boring goalless stalemate(considering it being a league match, a draw is always a fair one for games between big sides), I can bet this clash will be far better and entertaining as both sides know a win/lose can only be the outcome of this game. Also, considering the fact that a win determines who gets to the EFL final, both sides will definitely want to go all out and put in their best performance.
Really, I am not interested in choosing a side to win this game, rather, I want to enjoy it. With no iota of doubt, I can emphatically say that both sides are the best in England at the moment although the Premier League Table doesn't show this due to the outstanding games they both have(If both teams win their outstanding games, Manchester United will be at the top of the table with 36 points, whilst Manchester City will be closely behind them with 35 points).
However, since this two teams look to be equally matched, let's take a lol at the advantage they both have over a wch other:
MANCHESTER UNITED:
Definitely, the change in the EFl Semi Final rule of "Double legged" games which will see this year's Semi being a "Single leg" will greatly favour the red devils as they get to be the host for this game. We all know how much of a psychological boost playing at home could be for big teams when they come against opponents of equal strength. United will definitely enjoy this.
Furthermore, City's last 2 travels to the Theatre of Dreams hasn't been good as they have only been able to manage a draw in one of it and losing the other. Another good advantage for the red devils isn't it?
A clause to this advantage though is the fact that City have won 2 of their last 4 travels to Old Trafford including an emphatic 3 goals to 1 victory in this same stage of the EFL last season. They(City) will definitely be looking forward to relishing this moment once more.
MANCHESTER CITY:
Their strong defence line has been a very big determinant in their amazing performance so far, whilst their attack isn't lacking either and I beleive these 2 will still play a huge impact in today's game. A big kudos to Pep for finding this balance with his team.
City have conceded just 3 goals in their last 11 games, keeping 8 cleansheets in the process, whist city rivals, United have conceded a whooping 16 goals, keeping just 3 clean sheets in as many games as City.
A clause to this advantage though is United's superior goal scoring form as they have been able to get a whooping 25 goals against other opponents in that same 11 games, whilst City have been able to manage 23 in as many games. This shows United superior goal scoring instinct, and an ability to outscore opponents.
This game really has a lot involved, and they are:
1) Which team's unbeaten run will be broken today?
2) Can United deny City a record 4th consecutive EFL Final.appearance?
3) Which of the 2 maestroes(Bruno Fernandez or Kevin De Bruyne) will come out on top in this clash?
4) Which side of Manchester(Red or Blue) wjll dominate the city of Manchester today?
Whoever wins tonight game will square off against Jose Mourinho's Tottenham in the EFL final after they(Tottenham) got a deserving 2 nil victory over Brentford yesterday.
I am as highly expectant as you all, and I believe we will get a great game.
Feel free to drop your opinions and comments, they will be greatly appreciated.
Much Love from your Football Analyst, IbkDaGreat.
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