It’s Derby Time
It goes without saying that this is a big weekend in the Barclays Premier League.
Chelsea could extend its lead at the top to seven points, or see it cut to just one. Arsenal may find its way back into the title race. Liverpool could draw another game and no one would care.
There’s also the battle for the fourth and final Champions League spot with the prospect of millions of dollars in television revenue as well as the opportunity to serve as whipping boys for Barcelona.
With just three games remaining for the teams after this weekend, there’s no more time for excuses, which explains why Rafa Benitez has been quiet lately.
The big clash on Saturday takes place at the City of Manchester stadium, as the Blues host their neighbours from the city’s red half.
The two sides could not be approaching the lunchtime (UK time) kick off with more different form.
Roberto Mancini’s men are coming off three straight victories in which they found the back of the net fourteen times.
Manchester United were disappointing in a goalless draw at Blackburn last week on the back of its home loss to Chelsea and elimination from the Champions League.
It was no big surprise to see the team bereft of ideas without Wayne Rooney. What was perplexing though was the lack of drive and urgency shown by some players.
Even Sir Alex Ferguson had the look of a defeated man after the final whistle as he could not explain his side’s uninspiring performance in a must-win match.
He may actually be looking forward to this weekend. In derby matches, recent form goes out of the window, just as crunching tackles come flying through the front door.
It could be just what his team needs as their bid for a fourth successive league title slips further and further way.
A kick up the rear, as they call it. And what better way to emerge from quite possibly the worst ten days in United’s recent history that with a win at Eastlands.
If they can leave with the three points, it gives further incentive to Tottenham Hotspur to go for the kill against Chelsea later in the day and reclaim fourth place.
The return of Rooney, together with the superlative form of Heurelho Gomes, will be key to their respective teams’ quest for victory this weekend.
On Sunday, we should have a clearer picture of where the 18th Premier League title will be heading.
If Spurs manager Harry Redknapp receives a bottle of champagne from Ferguson next week, you’ll probably know why.
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