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2010-01-19 - Manchester City vs Manchester United
A Sports Betting Pick by Cruiser
Analysis:The first leg of the Carling Cup semi-final sees Manchester City welcoming their city rivals Manchester United to City of Manchester Stadium. Roberto Mancini will get his first taste going up against Sir Alex Ferguson here. With the game being called off two weeks ago due to snow, the game has received more build up and more expectation amongst the home fans.
Manchester City knows this will be the best time to knock out their neighbours as United have been inconsistent this season. But Roberto Mancini finally tasted defeat after four straiht wins when they were beaten by Everton last weekend coming into this match.
Both sides will be hard pushed to match the 4-3 thriller at Old Trafford earlier in the season when a 96th minute Michael Owen strike won the game for the champions. But do watch out for former United player in Carloz Tevez. The Argentinian was loved by United supporters during his two years at the club but will now do his best to help his present club beat United.
The 25-year-old was shocked to hear his every touch booed at Old Trafford in September and he has already stated he is out for revenge tonight.
City has never reached a major final since 1981 and have never won a major trophy for 34 years. Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted that he will continue to mix youth with experience despite some poor performances from his side against Leeds United two weeks ago.
As for the team news, Roque Santa Cruz is out for a month with a calf injury. The striker picked up the problem at Everton on Saturday and was replaced by Robinho. However the Brazilian lasted less than an hour and found himself substituted. But Mancini could bring on Robinho as he has a tendency to do well in big games.
Stephen Ireland looks likely to make the bench after recovering from a hamstring strain but new signing Patrick Vieira will have to wait for his debut having still not recovered from the calf problem. Defenders Nedum Onuoha (calf), Joleon Lescott (knee) and Wayne Bridge (knee) remain out of the side as does long-term casualty Michael Johnson (knee).
For United, Michael Owen or Mame Biram Diouf since Dimitar Berbatov is a doubt for United after limping off against Burnley at the weekend with a dead leg.
Rio Ferdinand (calf) is close to a return but will not be risked for the cup clash with Ryan Giggs also expected not to be risked here. Ben Foster returned to training last week after going down with flu but could now be out with a back injury. Nemanja Vidic (calf) is also closing in on a comeback but the City clash appears to have come too soon for the Serbian centre-half.
Owen Hargreaves (knee) has started training but is not yet fit enough to be considered while John O'Shea (thigh) is another set to miss out meaning Rafael and Fabio Da Silva could get their chance to shine in the full-back slot.
Take Manchester United on level ball here.
Cheers and good luck,
Cruiser
BEST BETTING TIP :
Take Manchester United to win here.
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
Take Manchester United on level ball here.
