The enigmatic striker successfully came through a reserve team match in midweek and, with Nicolas Anelka serving the final game of a suspension, Keegan could name Wanchope on the bench.
Wanchope has not featured since mid-December after being forced to have another operation on his troublesome knee.
Although they have lost both previous meetings with United this term and have registered only two league victories at their plush new home since the move from Maine Road this summer, City will approach the game with confidence.
They produced probably their best performance of the season on their last outing against Chelsea - even if Eidur Gudjohnsen's late goal left them empty-handed - and also have the memory of last term's 3-1 triumph over United to fall back on.
They are also facing a United side who, by their own lofty standards, are going through something of a rocky period.
Currently nine points behind Premiership leaders Arsenal, United crashed out of Europe in midweek and have only won one of their last five matches. Sir Alex Ferguson's side are also facing an injury crisis and could even resort to playing Ryan Giggs at left back such are their mounting problems at the back.
Last season: Manchester City 3 Manchester United 1
Key opponent: Ruud van Nistelrooy - United have an injury crisis, but with Ruud fit and raring to go they always pose a goal threat.
Prediction: Manchester City 2 Manchester United 2
For live text commentary visit www.manchesteronline.co.uk/football after your Sunday lunch.
Tweet
Comments
Login or Register to comment
CITY 2 United 0
Come on you BLUES!
James,Tarnat,Sun,DVB,Distin- SWP,Barton,Reyna,Macca-Fowler,Sib. 4-4-1-1. 3-2 City.
Keep their full backs occupied,have belief in your own ability,don,t show them so much respect.NO FEAR!it,s as easy as that!
Wanchope's probably not ready, even for the bench but the sad fact is that whilst Anelka's banned we just don't have anymore experienced cover. A prediction? no way, this is City don't forget, the great 'unpredictables'!
Sorry Ernie. Would love you to be right, but don't quite agree. We couldn't keep a clean sheet if we had 50 defenders! Their defence may be crap aswell, so even Fowler may score, but they will definitely score. 2-3 Sunday unfortunately. Anyone who thinks Fowler is as good as RVN, Saha or Scholes (who will probably get at least one anyway) are deluded.
We`re rubbish,are going down have useless players but a great manager.We will get stuffed on Sun.
I agree with Andy Mac's XI, but the result is anyone's guess. If RVN wasn't playing i think we'd win at a canter, but that bloke, with all his flaws, makes that team. It's been said before as well that the key to beating this lot is somebody needs to track Scholes' late runs into the box. Is Tiatto injured does anybody know? He should be worth a spot on the bench i reckon. I predict 1-1, but i hope we can stuff 'em. Not for the bragging rights - we'll never shut Sal and Birdy up whatever the result - we need the points.
Could all those who go on Sun please speak as loud as possible to make it seem theres an atmoshere.Before the match we will be giving lessons on how to cheer and sing and if needed we can get a member of our group to sat beside during the match to help out.
RF scores all his chances, and city keep a clean sheet. trust my i know iv seen the future.
City 8 - Rags 0.
KEEP THE FAITH.
WALKING IN A KEEGAN WONDER LAND.
CTID.
Who plays? Dont matter, if they wear sky blue with pride and play with passion it wont matter who is on the pitch or what tactics we use. Go forth lads, play as we dream. COME ON YOU BLUES! COME ON CITY!
A close run thing methinks!!
WIEKENS!!!! WIEKENS !!!WIEKENS!!!
our best defender!!!!!