Can Manchester United spoil City's title party?
Pep Guardiola's Manchester City are now inches away from the Premier League title. The Sky Blues will not find a better opportunity to claim it than the Manchester derby on Saturday. If City beat Jose Mourinho's Manchester United, they would become the first team in Premier League's 26-year history to clinch the league title with six games to spare. Here's our pre-match report.
Guardiola to change derby plans after Anfield loss?
City will be looking to put behind the humbling 3-0 defeat against Liverpool in the Champions League. Guardiola needs to be shrewd about starting-XI, especially since the return-leg of the Champions League is scheduled to be played on Tuesday and City have a mountain to climb. But wrapping up the title against their fierce rivals will be a fitting end to a dominating season.
City cannot get a better chance to win the title
Manchester City are 16 points clear of second placed Manchester United, so a slip up on Saturday is not going to cost them a lot. But Guardiola will be looking to reassert themselves and build some momentum going into the return leg against Liverpool. Guardiola still believes his side can overturn the Champions League deficit at the Etihad.
Historically United have been the better side
For years, the red half of Manchester have dominated in this fixture. Out of the total 41 games played, Manchester United have won 20 while City have managed to win 13 and 8 have been drawn. But the balance of power is clearly shifting now, as City are on the verge of their third Premier League title since 2011-12.
City eye more records in this season
Manchester City have been in record-breaking form this season. They earlier set a record by winning 18 successive league matches and their title triumph could mean they will break several more records. City are currently at 84 points and are chasing Chelsea's record tally of 95 points set by Jose Mourinho in 2004-05.
Chelsea's records are under threat
City can also break Chelsea's record of 30 victories in a season set last year. They already have 27 wins this season. With 88 goals scored by City till now, they can also tumble Chelsea's record of 103 goals in a season, set in 2009-10.
Premier League glory awaits Manchester City
A victory would make City champions of the English top flight for the 5th time in their history and third time in the Premier League era. Pep Guardiola would become the third manager in football to win Premier League title and at least two major titles in other big five European leagues. Ancelotti and Mourinho are the others who have achieved this feat.
