Utd faithful want points and pride
PLENTY of Manchester United fans still say Liverpool is the ultimate grudge match, but there is no doubt the derby with Manchester City has grown in stature and relevance.
Monday morning’s (AEST) game at Etihad Stadium will have the real edge of a derby although, as has been the case for several years, City will start it from a position of superiority.
Pep Guardiola’s side look down from their perch on a United team in seventh place.
Few of United’s faithful think Jose Mourinho’s team have a realistic chance of finishing above Guardiola’s champions in May, but a win on Monday would restore some lost pride.
That was the case in April when Paul Pogba scored twice as United came back from two goals down to win 3-2 and deprive City of the satisfaction of clinching the title on home turf against their neighbours.
United will need to be firing on all cylinders to stop City, who have scored 17 goals in their past three home games.
City are unbeaten in the league with nine wins from 11 games while United have won six, lost three and trail their neighbours by nine points.
Liverpool, smarting from their Champions League loss to Red Star Belgrade on Wednesday, will be hoping United can do them a favour and take points off City.
Juergen Klopp’s side host bottom club Fulham while second-placed Chelsea, also two points behind City, have a tough task at home to Everton.
Tottenham, in fourth, will look for their seventh away win this season when they take on Crystal Palace.
Tonight: Cardiff v Brighton 10.30pm; Southampton v Watford, Leicester v Burnley, Huddersfield v West Ham, Newcastle v Bournemouth 1am; Crystal Palace v Tottenham 3.30am.