EPL - Man City v Man Utd - 5 May
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Man City v Man Utd preview
Manchester City will be without Joey Barton for the derby, while Rio Ferdinand could be recalled by Manchester United. Barton has been suspended by City following his training ground attack on team-mate Ousmane Dabo earlier in the week. The midfielder will sit out the rest of the season, but City boss Stuart Pearce is confident the fracas will not unsettle his side ahead of Saturday's game.
With Barton missing for City, rookie Michael Johnson is expected to come into the team, although Trevor Sinclair is also an option. Dabo was on the bench for last week's 2-0 home defeat to Aston Villa, but is unlikely to be available for selection as a result of his injuries from the Barton attack.
Georgios Samaras and Emile Mpenza started up front against Villa, but drew a blank as City failed to break their home hoodoo. City have not scored at home in the Premiership since New Year's Day, so Pearce must decide whether to freshen up his attack.
Ferdinand is expected to come back into the side after a groin injury, and he could take the place of Nemanja Vidic at centre-half. Patrice Evra is available after a European suspension, although he will hope for better memories than on his last visit to The City of Manchester Stadium.
The French full-back made his United debut in the corresponding fixture last season, but was substituted at half-time in a 3-1 defeat. With Gary Neville unlikely to play in the league again this season, either John O'Shea or Wes Brown will be at right-back, depending on how Sir Alex Ferguson organises his back-line.
Louis Saha is pressing for a starting role after a hamstring injury, while Alan Smith is also chasing a recall to the side. With Ferguson having bemoaned the timing of the game, he must decide if there are any tired legs, or minds, from Wednesday's match in Milan. -
Cud Fergie rest some playrs after travelling back from Milan?
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If we drop blues will be determined to close the gap and might snitch a win at Emirates...Originally posted by zocoss:Nah...could and not will cos for all we know, blues could drop points too at gunners home and if they do, losing here won't matters. -
man utd's record at man city home not so good right?
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Man citeh also haven scored a goal at their home ground for a long long time
I hope he plays smith. -
Barton attacked his team mate until that fella not fit for match? wtf?
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yea dabo said that he's disfigured and lost vision in the left eye?Originally posted by Pitot:Barton attacked his team mate until that fella not fit for match? wtf? -
Claims was a "savage, unprovoked and, worst of all, cowardly assault" by his Manchester City team-mate Barton.
"The fact that I look like the Elephant Man and will not be able to play again this season is bad enough, but what I find most shocking is that he [Barton] struck me first from behind and then repeatedly when I was down on the ground. He is a coward and his actions are despicable. This is why I'm in serious discussions with my lawyers to see what actions I can take. This should not be allowed to happen."
The midfielder, who joined City last summer from Lazio, had several cuts and bruises as well as a suspected detached retina. At one stage doctors were said to have feared for his left eye though he should now make a full recovery. "I have a severe scratch on my eye. Apparently I'm very lucky not to have lost my sight," explained the seriously-shaken Frenchman -
sad caseOriginally posted by zocoss: -
Man Utd boss Ferguson to shake up derby XI
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson admits he'll be freshening up his line-up for today's early kickoff against Manchester City.
"We all know European games do take it out of you and, with the 12.45 kick-off, we will certainly have to consider that," said Ferguson on Sky Sports News.
"There are some players who are available for that, in that respect - Rio Ferdinand, obviously, Louis Saha, Alan Smith, Patrice Evra, of course, is available after he was suspended on Wednesday.
"We are just assessing what the players are like today. It's difficult to assess how players are after a European defeat, and also playing on Wednesday then a lunchtime kick-off.
"The fact it's a derby game, it's difficult to assess what the right thing to do is as they all want to play in a derby game, so I will have to make good decisions on that.
"At least for the first time in a few weeks there are some options to freshen it up if I want to." -
Originally posted by omgukilledkenny:
[b]Man Utd boss Ferguson to shake up derby XI
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson admits he'll be freshening up his line-up for today's early kickoff against Manchester City.
"We all know European games do take it out of you and, with the 12.45 kick-off, we will certainly have to consider that," said Ferguson on Sky Sports News.
"There are some players who are available for that, in that respect - Rio Ferdinand, obviously, Louis Saha, Alan Smith, Patrice Evra, of course, is available after he was suspended on Wednesday.
"We are just assessing what the players are like today. It's difficult to assess how players are after a European defeat, and also playing on Wednesday then a lunchtime kick-off.
"The fact it's a derby game, it's difficult to assess what the right thing to do is as they all want to play in a derby game, so I will have to make good decisions on that.
"At least for the first time in a few weeks there are some options to freshen it up if I want to." [/b] -
Originally posted by lpx88:
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Originally posted by omgukilledkenny:
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Ouch.Originally posted by zocoss:
Claims was a "savage, unprovoked and, worst of all, cowardly assault" by his Manchester City team-mate Barton. -
We won a penalty, and Ronaldo successfully converted it!!
I bet Mourinho will have tons to say bt this again
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Half time score:
Man City 0
Man United 1
Cristiano Ronaldo 34' (pen) -
This City is a crazy team... They are only interested to hurt united players!
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all the reason why i hope they get relegated!! and hang that fuking Ball please after the games for stomping on Ronaldo!!Originally posted by zocoss:This City is a crazy team... They are only interested to hurt united players! 
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Utd seems to be slowing down a little now. Can't be too complacent now..not without at least a 2-goal lead...
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heard frm de commentators that its a very boring game?
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86% possession to United .. i think tehy are just stroking the football around??
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They doing a lot of back passesOriginally posted by lpx88:86% possession to United .. i think tehy are just stroking the football around??
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Oh..my friend saying man utd keep attack and attack, city clearing and pump out..defenders collect...process repeated again and again...Originally posted by Spica:They doing a lot of back passes -
Originally posted by turbo_drift:
I dived big time! Did ya guys see me take the penalty?
Half time score:
[b]Man City 0
Man United 1
Cristiano Ronaldo 34' (pen)[/b]
