Manchester Derby: The three key battles which will decide the fate of the game

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Its time for another Jose vs Pep battle. Image Source: twitter

Internet Desk: The wound is still alive for the “Special one”. The wound is still alive for the manager who has always treated his rivalry with Pep Guardiola as a “do or die” battle. On Thursday night, when Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United will be locking horns with Guardiola’s Manchester City in the mouth-watering Mancherster Derby, both the managers will be desperate to seal a victory to establish their positions in the top 4 of the points table.

A City win would all-but seal a top four finish for Pep Guardiola while a loss for United could leave Jose Mourinho’s men knowing the Europa League is the only way they can qualify for Europe’s prestige competition.

Manchester United will be without their star players like Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Paul Pogba, Juan Mata, Marcos Rojo, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling. On the flip side, City will get an almost fit squad and will only miss Iikay Gundogan and David Silva.

Here are some key battles which will decide the fate of the 174th Manchester derby.

Caudio Bravo and David De Gea battle between the sticks will be immensely crucial. Image Source: Twitter
Caudio Bravo and David De Gea battle between the sticks will be immensely crucial. Image Source: Twitter

Claudio Bravo vs David De Gea

The United goalkeeper has been voted into the PFA team of the year and Bravo is widely considered to be one of Guardiola’s biggest mistakes of the summer – the battle of the goalkeepers will surely be the key.

It’s fair to say Claudio Bravo’s City career so far hasn’t panned out how he, or Guardiola, planned. The Chilean was recently recalled to the starting line-up however he has not convinced many of the Etihad faithful just yet.

David De Gea, meanwhile, has once again been undoubtedly United’s No.1 and helped the Reds earn the second best defensive record in the Premier League so far this season.

With a top-four place still up for grabs for both teams, an error by either keeper could be very costly, particularly if it comes from Joe Hart’s replacement.

Midfield battle will largely be dependent on Kevin De Bruyne vs Ander Herrera. Image Source: Twitter
Midfield battle will largely be dependent on Kevin De Bruyne vs Ander Herrera. Image Source: Twitter

Kevin De Bruyne vs Ander Herrera

Spanish midfielder Ander Herrera had an ineffable game vs Eden Hazard in the Chelsea game and will hope to shackle Kevin De Bruyne in a similar way. He will be key after Mourinho said Paul Pogba was injured in the last game – but could he return to surprise everyone? It will be a million dollar question.

Another Belgian will also be key, should City achieve the league double over United and move closer to confirming Champions League qualification.

Kevin De Bruyne has been involved in 17 league goals this season including scoring and getting an assist in City’s 2-1 win at Old Trafford in September.

If De Bruyne plays well, his team tends to follow and he is undoubtedly a big-game player, also helping seal a famous victory over Barcelona in the Champions League.

Vincent Kompany vs Marcus Rashford duel can be a game-changer. Image Source: Twitter
Vincent Kompany vs Marcus Rashford duel can be a game-changer. Image Source: Twitter

Vincent Kompany vs Marcus Rashford

Vincent Kompany, the Belgian could only watch on as Marcus Rashford made Martin Demichelis look like an amateur to score the winner at the Etihad last season.

City’s captain is back from (another) injury and will have his hands full with the ever-lively Wythenshawe teenager.

Kompany has made just five Premier League appearances this season with his first goal coming in a man of the match performance at Southampton earlier this month.

Rashford has not stopped improving since bursting onto the scene and will lead the line given Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s injury.

The Belgian veteran’s ability to keep tabs on United’s 19-year-old wonder-kid will be key in avoiding some unwanted troubles for the Blues.