The Manchester Derby is always a big deal in England -- after all, cross-town rivalries between big teams like Manchester United and Manchester City are always emotionally charged affairs well worth watching. Now, with both teams fighting near the top of the table again, the rivalry takes on fresh meaning and importance, especially with both teams holding a chance at being in first place in the Premier League by the end of the weekend.
Manchester United vs. Manchester City 2015: Time, TV schedule and team news
The Manchester Derby is back, and it’s got more on the line than it has in several years.
Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images
But this rivalry means so much more than that. This is one of the oldest rivalries in England, dating back to the 19th century when Manchester United were Newton Heath and Manchester City were Ardwick AFC. It’s got a long, contentious history, and it’s one that United have typically dominated, though a controversial match in the 1970s did see City directly contribute to United getting relegated.
This match marks the 170th time the pair have faced off in a competitive match, though they have played numerous times in non-competitive formats, including their long series of matches for war-weary fans during World War II. United definitely have the upper hand here, with 70 Manchester Derby wins in competitive matches to City’s 49. While United have the historic lead, City have been on the rise of late, winning six of eight league matches over the past four seasons, including winning three of four games played at Old Trafford in that time.
What are the stakes?
After Arsenal’s win on Saturday, Manchester City are at least temporarily out of first place in the Premier League. Manchester United are hot on their heels, two points behind City and three behind Arsenal. That means that the winner of this match will be, at worst, tied with Arsenal on top of the table on points. That means that there’s more on the line than pride in this match -- much, much more.
We’re still not quite one-third of the way through the season, but with the top of the table so knotted up, these teams will look for any advantage to get a leg up on one another. Wins now, especially head-to-head against fellow title rivals, could prove absolutely vital once the end of the season comes.
Key player -- Wayne Rooney (Manchester United)
While Rooney has struggled to consistently find form and be a useful part of Manchester United’s team this season, he still has the potential to bust out big performances in key matches -- just like this one. He’s also the all-time leading goalscorer in the Manchester Derby, having scored 11 times, more than the 10 apiece scored by former City stars Joe Hayes and Francis Lee.
Sergio Aguero is City’s active goal-scoring leader, but injury will keep him from trying to close the gap with Rooney Sunday -- and Rooney will be eager to add to one of the prouder achievements in his career.
Key matchup -- Morgan Schneiderlin (Manchester United) vs. Yaya Toure (Manchester City)
After having a disappointing campaign a year ago, Toure has returned to being a force to be reckoned with this season. He’s been excellent for City once more, and constantly needs to be accounted for and contended with -- but United have the perfect guy to do just that in Schneiderlin.
In fact, while United bought Schneiderlin for his defensive qualities in midfield -- possibly even with a matchup like this in mind, given how well he matches up with Toure -- that’s not all he can do in this match. Schneiderlin’s ability to help the attack could help put pressure on Toure at the other end of the pitch and might help keep the City midfielder even more in check, not to mention
Manchester United injuries and suspensions
Out: Luke Shaw, Patrick McNair In doubt: Ashley Young, James Wilson
Manchester City injuries and suspensions
Out: Sergio Aguero, David Silva, Samir Nasri, Fabian Delph, Gael Clichy
Manchester United are finally coming out of the worst of their earlier injury crisis, while Manchester City are in the middle of one with three key attackers all out at the same time. Fortunately for City, Raheem Sterling, Kevin De Bruyne and Wilfried Bony have so far stepped up admirably in the absence of Aguero and Silva and Nasri, making City fans glad for all the money spent on those three over the last year.
Match Date/Time: Sunday, 10 a.m. ET, 2 p.m. local
Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester, England
TV: NBCSN (U.S.), TSN1, TSN4 (Canada), Sky Sports 1/HD (U.K.)
Online: NBC Sports Live Extra (U.S.), Sky Go (U.K.)
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