The game that divides a city
There will be $1 billion worth of talent on the field, soccer’s two most famous coaches renewing their rivalry, a bunch of records ready to be broken, and potentially the destiny of the English Premier League title – even in early December – on the line.
The Manchester derby can rarely have been grander and more globally appealing than when United and City meet at Old Trafford on Monday, NZT.
In the blue corner, there’s Pep Guardiola’s City, a devastating attacking unit that is looking to build an 11-point lead and win a 14th successive league match – an achievement that would be a record in a single Premier League.
In the red corner, there’s Jose Mourinho’s United, leading the chasing pack and on a club recordequaling run of 40 unbeaten home matches in all competitions – stretching back to September 2016 when it lost to its cross-town rival 2-1.
City are the league top scorer with 46.
United have the best defensive record with just nine goals conceded. City’s approach revolves around intricate passing and allout attack.
United’s is all about power and defensive solidity.
It’s a clash of styles that has been the hallmark of games between teams managed by Guardiola and Mourinho, initially when Barcelona and Real Madrid met in Spain and now in the same city in England.
Guardiola has had the edge since they arrived in the Premier League in the summer of 2016, earning a win and a draw in last season’s derbies. United beat City 1-0 in a League Cup fourth-round match, when Guardiola fielded a largely second-string lineup.
Given the eight-point gap between them, the onus is on United to win. That might be uncomfortable for Mourinho, whose default setting in big games is to set up not to lose. Having transferred from Perth Scorchers, where she made 310 runs and took 13 wickets last season, much will be expected of the White Ferns captain Bates, who has played 91 T20 internationals for New Zealand. Adelaide coach Andrea Mccauley described the 30-year-old all-rounder as ‘‘one of the best captains going around’’ and revealed that Bates was specifically targeted to lead the Strikers as they look to improve on their disappointing last place finish during the previous campaign.
Sophie Devine Adelaide Strikers
Joining Bates in Adelaide is 28-yearold White Ferns all-rounder Sophie Devine, who is in her third season with the Strikers. Devine was a standout performer in her nine matches last season, making 276 at 38.57 and boasting the best strike rate of any player who fronted up for more than three innings with 135. She was the only player in the competition to hit a century last season, belting 103 from 48 against Hobart Hurricanes.
Amy Satterthwaite Melbourne Renegades
Satterthwaite has been named captain by coach Duncan Harrison, having moved across from Hurricanes on a three-year contract. Harrison said Sattherthwaite ‘‘has had an incredible two years internationally and she’s been really good with Hobart Hurricanes, and we’re really excited with what she can bring.’’ Satterthwaite scored 323 at
Lea Tahuhu Melbourne Renegades
One of just seven remaining players from last year’s Renegades squad, the 27-year-old right-arm medium pace bowler, who has played 31 T20s for New Zealand, will be looking to step up in her second season in the WBBL. Tahuhu took nine wickets last season, with best figures of 2-25.
Hayley Jensen Melbourne Renegades
The 25-year-old is a new addition to the Renegades, having moved from crosstown rivals Melbourne Stars. The right-arm medium pace bowler has taken seven wickets in nine T20 internationals for New Zealand and Experienced wicket keeper Mcglashan will be hoping for more of the same in the 2017-18 season after the Sixers finished top of the table and beat the Scorchers by seven runs the final. The 35-year-old veteran has played 76 T20s for New Zealand, with a high score of 84 and an average of 18.18. During last year’s WBBL Mcglashan scored 343 at 24.50, making her the highest scoring Kiwi.
Rachel Priest Sydney Thunder
The 32-year-old wicket keeper has moved to the Thunder after two seasons with the Renegades. Priest scored 512 runs for the Renegades while captaining the side, and also effected 22 dismissals.