As I write this we're just 24 hours away from the most anticipated Manchester derby in years. After a summer of spending and acrimony, Ciy and United get it on, with more than local bragging rights at stake.
City's transformation from perennial under achievers to title challengers is nearing completion. Their victory over Arsenal last weekend showed that can match it with the traditional "big four". Their breathless counter attacking game will trouble many sides but there is a massive question mark over their fragility at the back. Shay Given may turn out to be the best signing oil money can buy.
On Sunday they will be without Adebayor, quite rightly sanctioned by the FA for his stamp on Van Persie. That was his crime, not the celebration that left many hot under the collar. Its about time fans started to take responsibility for their actions. Blaming a player for provocation after you've spent 75 minutes abusing him at the top of your voice is a bit rich. Man up.
Mark Hughes has shown an enourmous amount of poise in his media dealings this year, refusing the get seriously involved in the tit for tat campaign with his former boss down in Salford, or becoming flustered by talk of pressure and money. And he'll need to maintain his poise tomorrow, and guide his charges to what could be a defining performance.
As for United, they were quite brilliant at Tottenham, carving the hosts open on the counter, and suffocating the midfield. City's style is sure to be a little different, and without Adebaor, they will have to re-jig, so it will be down to Fergie to work out how to break them down. Expect roles for Giggs, Scholes, Neville and Owen, as United try to exploit the derby day atmosphere against a group of players with very little allegiance to City, or to Manchester.
I can't wait for this one, and can see City giving it a real go.
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