Mancini's Big Decision

The Manchester derby kicks off tomorrow and it promises to be the most highly anticipated one ever in Premier League history, since both teams are contesting for the Title. Manchester United are in top position, leading second place Arsenal by 4 points, and their City rivals by 5 points with a game in hand.

A Manchester United win tomorrow would put a serious dent into Manchester City's title hopes for this season, which means that it is now a must win game for them. This is going to be especially difficult due to the fact that Roberto Mancini's policy for big games tends to be a very defensive 4-5-1 formation, with De Jong, Barry, and Yaya Toure acting as a second defensive barrier. This tactic, although good defensively, has not handed City a win against the top two in the League, nor has it even given them a goal. With this ultra defensive system, they drew 0-0 with both Manchester United and Arsenal, having no real impact in attack, leaving Tevez starving for passes.

If Mancini wants to seriously challenge for the Premier League this season, he has no other choice but to abandon his defensive approach and attack Manchester United, as a defeat will put them 7 points away from the top. The Man City coach has an abundance of attacking talent including the likes of Tevez and David Silva, two game changing players, who if not utilized properly will fail to make an impact in tomorrows game.

A Manchester City win would do wonders for their confidence as Manchester United still have to face Chelsea twice, and Arsenal and Liverpool away in the League. One thing is for sure, by tomorrow evening we will understand whether or not this Title race will go down to the wire.

Jassim