One of the most anticipated matches in this Premier League season is without a doubt, the Manchester Derby. With United coming off one of their worst seasons ever, the Red Devils will try to start turning things around against their neighbors, who ended up bagging another Premier League title in their time of despair. This should be an interesting match, in which Manuel Pellegrini's crew will have to adjust some things that seem to be out of shape in their recent outings. We let to your consideration these five points the Citizens have to adjust in order to take home three points.
1.- Defensive tactics.
Manuel Pellegrini stated his team is conceding far too easy goals recently. If Manchester City wish to give United some trouble, so, Vincent Kompany and new signings such as Bacary Sagna and Eliaquim Mangala should focus on defending rather than helping up top. Guarding Robin Van Persie and Wayne Rooney may not be an easy task for the Sky Blue defense, so these three players will need to play their best on Sunday.
2.- The absence of David Silva.
One of the things that left City worried after their loss against Newcastle was David Silva's shape. After learning he will be out for at least a month, Pellegrini will have to rely on Samir Nasri to take the Spanish playmaker's spot on the roster. Nasri is also coming back from an injury, and though risky, it seems Pellegrini will have no choice but trusting his offensive tactics to the French midfielder.
3.- Backing up "El Kun"
The bright side for Manchester City has to be their opponent's defense. Sergio Aguero is currently the league's top scorer alongside Diego Costa, and he can mean some trouble all alone for United's shaky defense. Perhaps starting Edin Dzeko along the Argentinian striker would prove too much for the Red Devils to handle, giving "El Kun" more chances to damage David De Gea's goal.
4.- Yaya Toure's form.
The Ivory Coast player has proven key this season for Manchester City. Toure's performance will be one to watch, and with the absence of Silva, his ball handling skills and creativity may be needed up front. Toure has been able to score this season, giving the Citizens one more weapon to damage United's defense. Despite presenting groin problems during their mid-week match against Newcastle, Toure's presence must give City a competitive edge at midfield United currently don't have.
5.- Stopping Wayne Rooney.
England's Bad Boy is back, and he will try to damage the Citizens once more. Being Manchester Derby's all-time top scorer, Pellegrini's side may consider personal coverage over United's number ten, and with their lack of attacking midfielders, this could be a good solution to a constant threat. Rooney will be hungry to score after a three game ban, and surely trying to make him lose his mind will be in the Sky Blues mind.
