Old Trafford will be on fire tonight when Manchester United host Manchester City in one of the most important Manchester Derbies.
It is a do-or-die, swim-or-sink and cruise-or-crash situations for both sides. They desperately needed a victory to achieve their respective goals this season.
Manchester United must win tonight’s encounter to keep their hopes of playing next season’s UEFA Champions League alive. They are currently sixth with 64 points while their other competitors for the ‘top four’, Arsenal are fifth with 66 points, Chelsea are fourth with 67 points while Tottenham Hotspur are third with 70 points.
A victory for United will keep their hopes alive; otherwise, they would be playing Thursday football next season.
Their opponents, Manchester City also needed the three points to keep their hopes of successfully defending their league title alive. They are currently second on the log with 86 points, two points less than Liverpool, who have played a game more than them.
If City wins tonight, they will return to the top and will win the league if they win their remaining three matches. But, if Pep Guardiola men fail to take all three points, Liverpool will win the league if they win their remaining three matches as well.
This is a match that a draw will not be good for either side and a defeat will be very devastating.
United will miss the services of Phil Jones while City’s midfield-maestro Kevin de Bruyne is also out with Injury. But United will see Andre Herrera return from a thigh injury while Luke Shaw will be available after serving his suspension.
United’s manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer have been under fire for United’s woeful display in recent times. Nevertheless, he insists that he is the right man for the job, “I would like to say yes but it is not down to me to say that.
“Of course, I am confident in my team and myself.
“I am ready to take this challenge on. I know it is a big challenge. That is why I came. I don’t like losing but it is a great challenge.”
Guardiola on his part is fully focused on tonight’s game and states what they must do to retain the title, “We have to win four games to retain our title.
“It is not an easy place to go but it is a nice place to go. We know exactly what we have to do.”
Arsenal are also in action tonight against Wolves in a match they must win if they will hope of finishing in the top four this season.
