Four ways in which Manchester City can win tonight

The Premier League Owl

Play with intensity

Manchester United won’t be phased by the occasion this evening, they’ve been in this situation too many times – they know how to close out a title. From the first whistle, everything City do has to be geared towards unsettling their opponents and giving them a reason to doubt themselves.

This is not a good Manchester United side, City have every reason to believe that they can hurt them – which is contrary to how most sides in the league have played this fixture over the season. They’re just another team, there’s nothing to fear other than self-doubt.

Play Carlos Tevez

Yes, partly because of the ‘tempting fate’ quality that goes with the Argentine’s inclusion, but also because Jonny Evans will likely miss the game tonight and Chris Smalling will have to deputise. Smalling has not played a lot of football this year, and so City want to keep as much pressure on him, and that frail United defence as possible – Sergio Aguero(f/g) obviously provides a threat by himself, but coupling him with Tevez(f/g) gives United’s fledgling backline something extra to think about.

Plus, of course, why disrupt a system that seems to be working so well – momentum is king in any game.

Take their chances

Another obvious point, but one that’s hugely important. When you have Manchester United under pressure, you must score goals against them. Think back to last month, and United’s visit to White Hart Lane – hammered for over an hour, they somehow escaped with a 3-1 win and all the points. City cannot afford to be profligate in front of goal tonight, because no team in Premier League history has been better than Sir Alex Ferguson’s side at punishing sides who let them off the hook.

A sub-point here is the first goal. If City concede it, all of those doubts and nerves that became synonymous with their football through March and early April will come flooding back – yes, they have to win tonight, but Mancini can still afford a sensible approach. No panic necessary.

Leave out Mario Balotelli

What’s been the deciding factor in the last two games between these two sides? A red card. As talented as Balotelli undeniably is, he just can’t be trusted in a game of this magnitude – he hasn’t yet demonstrated that he has the temperament for this kind of occasion. Too much of a risk, keep him sat down unless absolutely necessary.

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