Sunday’s Manchester United vs Manchester City match will not just be a derby. It will actually be about the current battle at the top of the English Premier League table.
The undefeated Manchester City club has been impressive this season in the EPL, having recorded 7 wins in 8 games played. They have also been quite precise in front of goal, averaging a bit more than 3 goals per encounter.
Their tight defence has enabled them to secure a goal difference of +21; but more importantly, City lead the overall standings with 22 points. This means they are only 2 points ahead of arch-rivals Manchester United.
Undoubtedly, their lead has yet to be a comfortable one. What matters though - at least for now - is that they have a big advantage, which they could use to increase their chances of realizing their title dream before the end of the league race.
Manchester United are also unbeaten at domestic level thus far, even though they have drawn a game more than the Citizens. The Red Devils have collected 20 points and a goal difference of +19, which is enough for them to sit above challengers Chelsea, and also Newcastle United, who have already played 9 games.
Seeing how close the top teams are from each other, it is fair to say that all Chelsea could hope for would be a draw, so as to jump in second place and accelerate their plan to reach the top. A draw would not affect Manchester City’s rank; however, it could move United to the third spot, depending on the Londoners’ result in their match away to QPR.
A win nevertheless for Sir Alex Ferguson’s men would give the Red Devils the pole position without any condition, placing City second or third. A reverse scenario would obviously widen the gap between the Manchester enemies to 5 points, while Chelsea would again have a chance to move to the second position.
Who will drop points and who will lead the EPL table after Matchday 9? Will the two Manchester sides still occupy the first 2 spots after the derby at the Old Trafford?
Their tight defence has enabled them to secure a goal difference of +21; but more importantly, City lead the overall standings with 22 points. This means they are only 2 points ahead of arch-rivals Manchester United.
Undoubtedly, their lead has yet to be a comfortable one. What matters though - at least for now - is that they have a big advantage, which they could use to increase their chances of realizing their title dream before the end of the league race.
Manchester United are also unbeaten at domestic level thus far, even though they have drawn a game more than the Citizens. The Red Devils have collected 20 points and a goal difference of +19, which is enough for them to sit above challengers Chelsea, and also Newcastle United, who have already played 9 games.
Seeing how close the top teams are from each other, it is fair to say that all Chelsea could hope for would be a draw, so as to jump in second place and accelerate their plan to reach the top. A draw would not affect Manchester City’s rank; however, it could move United to the third spot, depending on the Londoners’ result in their match away to QPR.
A win nevertheless for Sir Alex Ferguson’s men would give the Red Devils the pole position without any condition, placing City second or third. A reverse scenario would obviously widen the gap between the Manchester enemies to 5 points, while Chelsea would again have a chance to move to the second position.
Who will drop points and who will lead the EPL table after Matchday 9? Will the two Manchester sides still occupy the first 2 spots after the derby at the Old Trafford?
