Man City v Man United preview

Nov 30 2008

IT'S the Rob and Ron battle that will tickle the taste buds for most neutrals in this afternoon's mouthwatering Manchester derby.

In the blue corner, City will look to £32.5million Robinho to produce the fireworks while for the Reds hotshot Cristiano Ronaldo will be ready to match the Brazilian front man blow for blow.

And while United midfielder Darren Fletcher is full of admiration for Robinho he reckons his Portuguese team-mate can give Sir Alex Ferguson's side the edge.

Fletcher said: "I have been impressed with Robinho. He is a world-class player who has scored some fantastic goals.

"But he has not come as a prima donna with a big superstar attitude "He has knuckled down, worked hard and done his best for Manchester City which you have to respect.

"I have also seen a few hard challenges going in on him. But similar to Ronaldo here he just picks himself up and gets on with it."

Fletcher knows United's city rivals have bigger targets now than in years gone by with limitless funds available following the summer takeover by the Abu Dhabi United Group.

And while the Scotland star reckons talk of City as major players now is premature he relishes the prospect of them providing a real challenge for honours.

Fletcher said: "The rivalry is already there but it would be even more special if it came down to competing for trophies as well but at the moment we are talking about potential.

"The injection of cash happened late, so we'll be looking to see what they do in January.

"Money doesn't guarantee success but if City can spend and attract the kind of names people have been talking about, it would make them a big threat in this league."

After losing twice to their neighbours for the first time in almost four decades last term United have plenty of incentive to win.

Yet Fletcher cites the eight-point deficit on Premier League pacesetters Chelsea and Liverpool as the chief reason Ferguson's team need to leave Eastlands with maximum points.

The Dalkeith-born player sat out both matches last season but having reported no further damage to a recent ankle injury he's expected to be in the line-up this time.

Fletcher said: "It was disappointing to lose to them twice. It's not just the fans, it is the players as well. We take it to heart. We have to live in the city too."

Fletcher feels City's new-found riches may trigger an attacking approach that suits United down to the ground.

He said: "Games on the road are getting more difficult for us because the home teams are changing their tactics.

"But I feel this will be a great game. Last season City sat behind the ball a little bit but they have so much attacking quality now I am sure they will have a real go."

And City boss Mark Hughes accepts today's derby is "bigger than ever" because of his side's increased financial muscle.

Sparky knows he can compete with the best when the transfer window reopens in January.

But feels the pressure on the club to get instant success because of their deep well of new money is over the top.

Hughes said: "The focus on us is a little bit unfair as we are early in our progression.

"You look at United, they have had huge investment for 20-odd years. We've had it for about 10 hours.

"They are a world power - we are nowhere near them at this moment. There is a huge difference.

"However, it is probably seen as a bigger derby than ever because of our circumstances. But make no bones about it, we are going in the right direction."

City go into the game on a high after back-to-back victories against Arsenal and Schalke.

Former United striker Hughes said: "We could not be in better shape against a strong team. We are looking forward to it as we have had a great week.

"We know we are capable of playing good football but have compromised ourselves with individual and collective errors.

"What we need is a consistent level of performance - we are still a work in progress."

Hughes' know his United counterpart Ferguson is thirsting for revenge after two derby losses last season.

The City gaffer said: "Those two defeats were probably their only blot in the last campaign and they will want to put that right.

"Because of the confidence of being champions of Europe and the Premier League they expect to win rather than hope to win.

"This is one of the great derbies and they know City will always give them a big test.

"While you cannot legislate for individual brilliance what you can do is make it difficult for them."

Hughes believes skipper Richard Dunne is over his rocky patch and said: "He has been exceptional. He is back to his best after struggling for form. He has been a shining light for us."