I'm coming up on my first Manchester derby as a City fan, so I thought I'd take a moment to look back into history and also forward at what we might expect on Saturday.
Last City win over United: March 14, 2004; a 4-1 win at City of Manchester Stadium.
Last City win over United at Old Trafford: April 27, 1974; 1-0. Part of a seven-season span (from '67-'68 to '73-'74) in which City went 6-1-0 against United at Old Trafford in League play.
But: City have lost just once in their last four league trips to Old Trafford.
City all-time record against United: 38-48-56.
At Old Trafford: 14-25-33.
City are actually ahead of United in the standings right now, but only by a point, and United have played one fewer game, so whatever. Still, City's unbeaten league run stretches back to last March, a 2-1 loss at Spurs, for a run of 12 unbeaten games (7-5-0). Also of note: the derby has not taken place with City ahead of United in the standings since May 4th, 1991. (United won that game 1-0 at Old Trafford but still finished behind City for the year, which is also the last time that happened.)
Anyway, what to expect. Neither club has lost a game yet; United are 3-0-0 while City are 3-1-0. United's wins so far have come over Everton, Aston Villa, and struggling Newcastle; City have defeated Birmingham, Sunderland, and Portsmouth. Thus this is probably the first serious test for either club (though Everton's not bad, they haven't looked great yet), especially City.
City's wins have all come 2-1; in both the Birmingham and Portsmouth games, the opposition drew first blood and it was up to City to come back. This would not be a wise course of action against United, needless to say, who have yet to give up a goal this season. Moreover, City's new striker Andy Cole is a former Red Devil, though whether this means they'll better know how to mark him or not I'm not sure. David James' recent struggles make him all the better a target for United's pack of top-class players, that's for sure. Ruud van Nistelrooy has three goals in three league games; Wayne Rooney has United's other two. If the City defense can shut down either of those attackers, perhaps they've got a shot at stealing a win.
I doubt that, though. All good things must come to an end and City's unbeaten streak is one of them (though if it doesn't end here it could well last until late October and a trip to Highbury). The recent tendency to draw at Old Trafford leaves me somewhat hopeful, especially since this seems based on recent results to potentially be a better squad than those of the past few years, but it can't last forever, even with Fowler and Distin returning for the derby. City can challenge for Europe this year (as they did last year with the late run), but that doesn't mean they'll never lose. Still, they could be the first club to score on Man U this year. Prediction: United 2, City 1.
(Incidentally, FSC isn't showing this game until Tuesday. Do we think there's any chance at all I can go that long without seeing the result?)
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