MANCHESTER DERBY; WILL JOSE MOURINHO PREVAIL?

The much anticipated Manchester derby is 24hrs away from kickoff. 12:30pm (UK time), old Trafford will play host to two of England’s football powerhouses.

Considering the immense summer spending spree by the two clubs, this match promises to be a “clash of managerial wit and show of quality players, at the very echelons of football spectacle”.

Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola, will come face-to-face, to reignite their long time rivalry which dates back to their times as Real Madrid and Barcelona Managers respectively. It is their first clash as managers of both Manchester clubs, and this leaves the average football enthusiast basking in the euphoria of the encounter.

Bragging rights also plays a major role to the outcome of this game, as the “blue and red” parts of Manchester, strive for supremacy. Can a depleted city withstand the firepower of Mourinho’s men? 3 Epl wins out of 3 for Guardiola, will his old foe conjure his first defeat? Or will united fall to city’s menacing attack?

MOURINHO VS GUARDIOLA HEAD-TO-HEAD STATS
Games Played: 16
Mourinho: 3
Guardiola: 7
Draw: 6
Goals Scored: Guardiola: 26 Mourinho: 16

TACTICAL ANALYSIS

While the odds seem to favour Manchester United, it is necessary that a few important details are taken into consideration.

A) Football Philosophy

Both managers have a background which dates back to their time at Spain, as assistant and player both under Bobby Robson and Louis Van Gaal.

Mourinho’s Philosophy is based on “brain and brawn”, while Guardiola is a disciple of “Possession and Position”, notwithstanding their hybrid abilities in football analysis and tactical awareness.

Both men are serial winners with trophy laden careers in major leagues in Europe.

B) Sergio Aguero’s Replacement

Sergio Aguero is arguably city’s most potent attacker in the last 5 years. The Argentine is set to serve 3 match suspensions, for violent conduct in the last match against WestHam.

City will miss the services of their talisman when they take on their noisy neighbors.

Nigerian youngstar, Kelechi Iheanacho is expected to impress if given the chance, after his wonder goal for his National team in the world cup qualifiers.

However, a tweak in formation or application of a false 9 is synonymous to Guardiola’s football philosophy.

C) Red hot “Silva and Sterling”

David Silva has been in fantastic form and inspirational for both club and country. He has had a resurgence in both his physical and psychological fitness, all thanks to the arrival of Pep Guardiola.

Having netted 4 goals in 2 matches for Spain in the world cup qualifiers, he is expected to orchestrate any form of damage against united on Saturday.

Keep a close eye on Silva, he is in the form of a life time.

Raheem Sterling is undoubtedly a talented young man. Many pundits believed that the arrival of Nolito, will spell doom for the English speed star.

But Sterling has looked reborn and more determined to prove his worth. Starting all of Pep’s 4 matches in star-studded city side, says it all.

You can expect the opposition to keep a close eye on him, as he looks more dangerous than ever

D) Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Paul Pogba.

At 34, the giant Swede has taken the Epl by storm with 3 goals in 3 matches. His deadly long range strikes will provide a strong test for the city backline.

Ibrahimovich has promised to be a “god” in Manchester and this derby is a perfect stage for him to stamp his authority.

Meanwhile, world record signing, Paul Pogba must be decisive for united and will be saddled with the responsibility to dominate the midfield in favour of the red devils.

The Frenchman was very impressive in the last match as he covered every blade of grass. Pogba will be keen to justify his £94m move from Juventus, by helping his team take city to the cleaners.

E) Claudio Bravo vs. David DeGea

Chilean goalkeeper Bravo is expected to lead city from the back. He will be keen to show the city faithful, why Pep Guardiola had to oust Joe Hart to sign him.

The 33year old former Barca man is an established shot stopper and much of cities exploits this season, will go down to how best he leads the backline.

David DeGea is no stranger to living up to big occasions. He was voted best Epl goalkeeper for the last 2 seasons, due to his high standard performances.

And with 2 clean sheets already, the Spaniard looks set to continue his goalkeeping exploits.

F) Super Sub Challenge

Many factors contribute to the outcome of matches and most notably, will be which manager wins it in the “super sub challenge”. Both managers are master tacticians and will want to prove a point with their changes.

Expect Mourinho to “pack the bus” at the latter stages of the match, if a 1-0, or 2-1 scoreline is in his favour. Pep also has plenty of options to this effect, if the need arises. He is the “unpredictable one” when it comes to his substitutions.

I keep my fingers crossed!

THE MAN IN THE MIDDLE

Mark Clattenburg will officiate the Manchester derby just as many of us anticipated. The 41 year old referee, is set to handle match proceedings in what has been as a glamorous 2016.

He officiated the Euro 2016 final, the champion’s league final, English FA cup final, amongst other top profile matches.

If you are anything like me, you’d expect to see drama on or off the field. Lol, just kidding!

My Predictions

Without sounding like an octopus, I envisage a 2-2 score line at full time. The 2 managers will set up their starting elevens to be compact, direct and very focused.

Much emphasis will center on who dominates the midfield and which team concedes less fouls and dead ball situations. You can expect many talking points after the match.

A draw will leave Chelsea with a chance to top the Epl table, with a win over Swansea on Sunday.

CONCLUSION

Old Trafford is ready; the officials are ready, are you ready?

We can expect 90mins full of emotions, dribbles, fun and a good match to celebrate.

No matter the divide or the Manchester side you support, always do this one thing “Win without swindling and when you lose, No Grudge”.

Please share your thoughts, possible predictions and outcomes. I’ll be back with post match analysis in my next article.

GOOD LUCK.