THE 136th league derby between City and United is bound to be a highly charged affair.
United can all but seal the Premiership title and will be desperate to bounce back from Wednesday's disappointing Champions League exit.
Meanwhile, the game represents City's last chance to salvage some pride from a lacklustre season.
Here are the key battles that could decide the match:
Richard Dunne v Wayne Rooney
City captain Dunne, recently voted fans’ Player of the Season, will need all his physical strength and experience on Saturday. Rooney, back in the familiar territory of the Premiership, is more than capable of destroying City’s world in the blink of an eye. It is the intelligence of his movement that poses the biggest threat to Dunne and the City big man will have to be as smart as he is strong to win this battle. However, if Rooney fails to banish his memories of the San Siro, Dunne may have a more comfortable game than expected.
Stephen Ireland v Michael Carrick
This contest is one for the purest, since both footballers are blessed with rare technical ability. Carrick had a quiet start to his Manchester United career. However, in recent months he has contributed much to United’s dazzling season - barring the recent Milan defeat of course. Both players hark back to a different era in football, when skill and guile took priority over stamina and strength. If selected Ireland will go into battle without the hustle and muscle of Barton though, giving Carrick more time to breath.
Darius Vassell v Rio Ferdinand
Sir Alex will be keen to have his composed England centre-half back on the pitch. On paper, this contest looks weighted in the United man's favour. Ferdinand has become the “Rolls Royce” player Harry Redknapp thought he would. He makes light of heavy work with a nonchalance frequently mistaken for indifference. However, the extent to which he has recovered from his recent injury remains to be seen and Vassell's pace will be a test. That factor, combined with his team’s Milanese heartbreak, may present the City striker with an opportunity.
Where do you think the game will be won and lost? Have your say.
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City v United: Key battles
May 04, 2007
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MILANO! -OH! -OH! -OH! -OH!
OUR FATHER WHO ART IN HEAVEN ;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;
dpkmanc, poor u.. u still havent wake up since tuesday. Or u not dare to see we will beat u heavily this coming saturday..
Nevermind the title - I've got a bet on with a Citeh fan and want his money!
in case you hadnt noticed this has nothing to do with milan you muppet!
prepare to be put to the sword as we hit back from wed nites defeat! i predict a rooney hatrick and ronnie to rip city apart!
The best way to shut this City nonsense talk is to let UNITED play and thrash them.TEN to UNITED! NIL to City!
Banish the blue meanies!
There's a stretcher with fake ronaldo's name on it waiting at Eastlands. Is Jordan injured?
From the photo's I see Rooney has been studying Christine's diving techniques.
Le Tis on sky sports has this down for a draw after citing the fact that City can't score and they've lost Barton. He's thinks we'll be too broken to give Them a good going over. I beg to differ I don't think they themselves or Fergie will allow it. Letting the title slip this late in the day and City doing Chelsea's dirty work would be unforgivable. They need to start quick and rip City apart that would get rid of all the depression and then there's the FA cup.
We finish your season tomorrow morning, ladies. We win, Chelsea win the title and go on to win the cup. All together now:
MILANO! -OH! -OH! -OH! -OH!
Priceless...Fergie's face after our late winner. Sorry I could not be there to see Christina perform his Swan Lake routine.
Empty vessles make most noise, you little bitters. Lets wait until tomorrow afternoon eh? See how much noise you make then in the wastelands
who cares...any win will do...forza milano!!!
With a backline of WB,RF,NV and PE United will be more then capabale of keeping a clean sheet. City aren't too bad defensively but as for the 6 remaining outfield players, whoever he plays I am sure they will be able to settle the tie.0-3 United
what are the scores george doors...? ... george, you're clueless.
Well done bitterdemo, you've managed to make a comment on a utd page instead of a City one for a change!
These bitter are full of chat aren't they? I don't know what would depress me more if I supported City and read the comments from these muppets. The fact that they seemed to have pinned their remaining hopes this season on Chelsea winning the Premiership or the fact they've all suddenly become avid followers of the Champion's League?
I know they're living in our shadow but I never knew they could have so little self-respect.
I'll give them the benefit of the doubt, though, and presume we're only seeing opinions from a tiny, brain-dead minority and most reasonable fans are more concerned about keeping their own (council) house in order.
mike i think you will find you have made far more comments on united pages than i have on city!
iv posted about 3 recently to wind you bitters up and comment on that hooligan barton! im not bitter as i dont have anything to be bitter about! winning the league and getting to cl semi and fa final makes me pretty happy!
on the other hand do you want lemon?
If our Greek superstar does not get selected
City's entire team will have cost Ronaldo's hairdressing bill. Given the massive financial gulf between the sides, you rags had better
win, or you will never hear the last of it.
Come on you Blues.
yes you're right Demo, course you are. Sorry, I've only just realised you're really a blue acting as a cartoon red for a wind up. Good on you son!
you must be one big bloke Mick if you cast a shadow all the way from Dublin to Manchester!
In case you haven't noticed, you're posting on a City page.
intelligence... it's a four letter word to you isn't it Mick!
Demo... liar, liar, pants on fire! Go and join the peg seller for a bit of spud chucking!
rubbish demo, absolute rubbish.
Mick you're just bitter cause I wouldn't let you tarmac my drive. Or buy any pegs off you!