However, a derby is still a derby and this one, in the context of recent history, is massive.

The memory of 6-1

United might have lost the title on the last day last season but they lost something more, something worse in the match at Old Trafford on October 23, 2011 – their pride. They were trounced 6-1 at Old Trafford by City and, although one cannot pin a title win on the winning of a single game, this win galvanized City and gave them that much more of an impetus to go for it. United might have been the better team until the goal went in; but once it did, and once a man was sent off, United still went for it and were punished. In style.

That sort of a thing does not sit well with Sir Alex. He is not one to forget. Roberto Mancini has come out and said that there is next to no possibility that there will be a repeat of the result. He might well be right but behind that seemingly modest exterior is the knowledge that every time that he talks about that game, he twists the knife into a wound that has not healed and perhaps will not heal for a long time to come.

Making a statement

United lost the title on the last kick of the last day of the season. Alternately, City won the title on the last kick of the last day of the season. However one looks at it, the kick on the teeth that United got was one that they had not experienced for a very very long time. And it hurt.

It hurt so much that Sir Alex made an uncharacteristic move by signing a player who was approaching 30 for a lot of money. That move, however, has reaped rich rewards and Mancini has said that the player in question is the sole reason for the gap between the sides. While that must be taken with more than just one pinch of salt, it is true that Robin van Persie has added that degree of clinicalness to Manchester United, especially in the early part of the season.

Sir Alex did say that he would not lose the title on goal difference – if it came down to that – this season, but even he would be pleasantly surprised at the gap that United have at the top of the table. However, today is all about making a statement. Mancini has come out and said that United probably deserve to be atop the table, but not by this big a margin. Sir Alex must want to put him in his place; to make him swallow his words. A win today will go a long way in doing that. There is also the small incentive of achieving a record points tally in the league – an incentive that would drive Manchester United for sure.

Catching up, hoping for a slip-up

A fifteen point gap, 8 games to go. Looks improbable. Mancini has publicly stated that the title hunt is over. However, when there is a chance – however slight it be – there always is a chance. Mancini knows this. His declaration might just be playing mind games with the master of mind games.

Sir Alex might not be swayed by these statements, but some of his young charges might be. Mancini’s apparent meek surrender might lead to a false sense of security, which he is undoubtedly hoping for. While Sir Alex will emphasize on the importance of being focused to his team, there is always the possibility that something untoward might happen.

If City do win, it will be a 12 point gap with 7 games to play. Now, that is still not a very good position to be in; they will still require United to lose 4 out of the last 7; but then again, stranger things have happened. A loss might even bring a bit of self-doubt into United. It is very unlikely, but it could happen. If doubt creeps in, who is to say what will happen?And if there is indeed a slide, City would want to be in pole position to make the most of it. For all this and more, a win today is paramount.

Finally, there is the small matter of bragging rights. After all, it is a local derby. All these questions and more will be answered tonight.

Kick off is at 12:30 A.M IST on Tuesday, April 9th 2013.

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