Man City v Man Utd
preview
Manchester City will be without Joey
Barton for the derby, while Rio Ferdinand could be recalled by
Manchester United. Barton has been suspended by City following his
training ground attack on team-mate Ousmane Dabo earlier in the
week. The midfielder will sit out the rest of the season, but City
boss Stuart Pearce is confident the fracas will not unsettle his
side ahead of Saturday's game.
With Barton missing for City, rookie Michael Johnson is expected to
come into the team, although Trevor Sinclair is also an option.
Dabo was on the bench for last week's 2-0 home defeat to Aston
Villa, but is unlikely to be available for selection as a result of
his injuries from the Barton attack.
Georgios Samaras and Emile Mpenza started up front against Villa,
but drew a blank as City failed to break their home hoodoo. City
have not scored at home in the Premiership since New Year's Day, so
Pearce must decide whether to freshen up his attack.
Ferdinand is expected to come back into
the side after a groin injury, and he could take the place of
Nemanja Vidic at centre-half. Patrice Evra is available after a
European suspension, although he will hope for better memories than
on his last visit to The City of Manchester Stadium.
The French full-back made his United debut in the corresponding
fixture last season, but was substituted at half-time in a 3-1
defeat. With Gary Neville unlikely to play in the league again this
season, either John O'Shea or Wes Brown will be at right-back,
depending on how Sir Alex Ferguson organises his back-line.
Louis Saha is pressing for a starting role after a hamstring
injury, while Alan Smith is also chasing a recall to the side. With
Ferguson having bemoaned the timing of the game, he must decide if
there are any tired legs, or minds, from Wednesday's match in
Milan.
