Manchester City v Manchester United Betting Tips, Odds & Preview January 8th 2012

Match Preview

Manchester City

The current leader in Premier League, Manchester City will meet their neighbors once again, this time in FA Cup. Mancini is expected to put the starting squad for this game, counting that a victory here will “break Manchester United’s ambitions” for a title as well. The Italian manager will not be able to count on Gareth Barry (red card suspension), Mario Balotelli (injury), Yaya & Kolo Toure (called for the African Cup of Nations), but is hoping to have Edin Dzeko and midfielder Samir Nasri available. City’s current shape is under question, after drawing their away game on boxing day with W.B.A, followed by a loss to Sunderland in the last minute of the match with 0:1. However in their most recent game against Liverpool, the Citizens showed that they still have a deadly offense and were able to net 3 goals and kept a clean sheet. Most recent meeting of both teams for a Cup was last season in Carling Cup, when City grabbed the victory with 2:1.

Manchester United

Manchester United, suffered two losses in a row, one on Old Trafford against Blackburn with 2:3 and an even heavier one on St.James Park against Newcastle with 0:3. The team seem to have a lot of problems with injured players, and the attack does not seem to produce enough opportunities for a goal. The injury/illness list seems quite long starting with: Ashley Young, Nemanja Vidic, Nemanja Vidic, Chris Smalling, Jonny Evans, Darren Fletcher and Tom Cleverley. It’s questionable if Ferdinand and Gigs will be also fit for this match, as they did play in the match with Newcastle. United are currently second in Premier League, 3 points behind their neighbors, but will need to make a statement here, and not just advance in the next round. Let’s not forget that earlier this season, City nearly killed United on Old Trafford with 6:1.