The Gameweek concludes in true style, although there’s no getting away from the fact that United’s vice like grip on the title race has somewhat reduced the anticipation of tonight’s Manchester derby. With little more than pride to play for, City will be expected to go on the attack at Old Trafford, in a bid to deny their hosts a victory that would take them no less than 18 points clear at the summit.
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Despite the onus being with City, Roberto Mancini looks to be turning up with a 4-5-1 formation, retaining Samir Nasri in midfield but dropping Edin Dzeko to the bench to make way for a return for James Milner. It would appear that either David Silva or Yaya Toure will be charged with supporting Carlos Tevez up front, then, as Sergio Aguero starts life on the bench once again. In City’s other change, Matija Nastasic returns from injury to slot in alongside Vincent Kompany in defence as Joleon Lescott makes way.
United make an array of tweaks from the side defeated at Stamford Bridge in the FA Cup. In come Wayne Rooney, Rafael, Ryan Giggs and Ashley Young as Phil Jones shifts alongside Rio Ferdinand at the back. The likes of Antonio Valencia, Nani, Tom Cleverley, Javier Hernandez and Chris Smalling all drop out of the lineup.
