The Manchester derby highlights the midweek fixtures in the Barclays Premier League today on a day when two other crucial fixtures that may have a big impact on the title race. In the other games on today, Arsenal will host Swansea and Newcastle will host Everton.
The Manchester derby highlights the midweek fixtures in the Barclays Premier League today on a day when two other crucial fixtures that may have a big impact on the title race. In the other games on today, Arsenal will host Swansea and Newcastle will host Everton.
Defending champions Manchester United find themselves twelve points behind their ‘noisy neighbours’ Manchester City in what has been less than stellar first year in charge for new manager David Moyes. United have struggled to mount a serious title defence and run the risk of not qualifying for Europe at all as they currently languish in 7th place while their neighbours who are in third position hunt for another premier league title.
Despite their indifferent season so far, United has had two good results on the trot beginning with a huge victory in the Champions League followed by an important league win at the weekend to lift confidence at Old Trafford.
Manchester City under Manuel Pellegrini has already claimed one title this season when they won the Capital One Cup but the disappointment of crashing out of Europe to Barcelona still lingers. Exit from the FA Cup as well, means that the ‘Blue’ side of Manchester must now focus on the league and will be hunting three points to close the gap on leaders Chelsea who are six points ahead having played three games more.
Both teams will view today’s encounter as a must win game for different reasons and fans may be in for another treat between these two fierce rivals.
Arsenal face Swansea following a humiliating 6-0 defeat to Chelsea on the weekend and will be looking to make that game a distant memory in a hurry. The loss for Arsenal was a significant one in the title race and Arsene Wenger’s men will have to produce an immediate response if they are to remain in contention.
Arsenal’s defending has been a real cause for concern this season and Swansea boss Gary Monk will hope his team can exploit that when he takes them to the Emirates later today. The Swans are battling relegation, four points above the drop zone on 29 points and are coming off a heart breaking 3-2 loss to Everton in their last outing. Both managers will be under pressure to deliver maximum points today.
Newcastle are in 8th position and safe but have vowed to keep fighting to the end of the season for every point available. Their 1-0 win over Crystal Palace on Saturday has propelled them to 46 points but hopes of European football may long have faded from their thoughts.
Everton sit two places above Newcastle and are desperate to play in Europe next season. The Mersysiders are two points behind fifth placed Tottenham Hotspurs but have two games in hand and could move up a position with a win today. Roberto Martinez has his team playing a good brand of football and will head to the North East believing that three points are there for the taking.
All the games kick off at 2:45 EST.
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