[Random Task]

Good news is the amber warning has been downgraded. Snow is still very much on the cards but not quite as severe as previously anticipated.

 

[AngliaRed]

Anyone live or been close to the ground and seen what the weathers like at the moment?

 

[James Peril]

Not looking forward to the game, but it would be so sweet to take a point or three. It’s not going to be pretty from our side, that much is clear.... think people are going throw gasoline on the anti-Mourinho fire.... but you never know. We need to run and fight better than them, that’s for sure - because they have much better players than us running the show. Here’s for hoping!

 

[Greck]

Groundsmen about to get a mystery call at 3am asking to not tend to the pitch till it's too late

 

[Canagel]

I'm not buying this notion of City running away with the league. Last time I checked there are still 22 games left to play after tomorrow's match, that's a total of 66 points left to play for, and as far as I'm aware, no one hands out fecking winners medals in early December, ask Newcastle what is was like being 12 points clear in January for some context.

City are arguably looking dodgy at the moment and as many people have said before, Pep's sides start to fade when they have to play 3 games a week due to the intensity he demands from them every game. They simply cannot continue to play the way they are and expect to win every game. By the end of January the league will look completely different. Don't buy into pundits and the media trying to call this over now, they're only doing it to be first in the race of "I told you this would happen back in November".

I get your point. As long as its mathematically possible you never give up in football because it's football and we've seen in the past that United lost an 8 point lead with 5 games left in 2012. However the problem we have now is that City have made the best start to a season in PL history. They are not the Newcastle you mentioned. Right now nothing can go wrong for them. The season Leicester won the title I remember people kept saying they will drop points, they can't keep it going, they will collapse during the last period...etc. In actual fact once they had the lead they never looked back. The same with Chelsea in 14/15. The base for both teams came in the first half of the season and sometimes there is a narrative that results count for more during the last part of the season but that's actually wrong. Results are equally as important now as they are in the second part of the season. City's form so far is title winning and they are considerably better than both Chelsea and Leicester. A win for them tomorrow gives them an 11 point lead (effectively 12 with the goal difference). That's a 4 game swing to catch them. We are nearly halfway through the season and they are still unbeaten. Do you think they can lose 4 games in the second half of the season? And if they did can we win our games? You'd be a brave man to bet against them if they win. We need to win to turn this into a title race. They are too comfortable right now.

 

[crossy1686]

I get your point. As long as its mathematically possible you never give up in football because it's football and we've seen in the past that United lost an 8 point lead with 5 games left in 2012. However the problem we have now is that City have made the best start to a season in PL history. They are not the Newcastle you mentioned. Right now nothing can go wrong for them. The season Leicester won the title I remember people kept saying they will drop points, they can't keep it going, they will collapse during the last period...etc. In actual fact once they had the lead they never looked back. The same with Chelsea in 14/15. The base for both teams came in the first half of the season and sometimes there is a narrative that results count for more during the last part of the season but that's actually wrong. Results are equally as important now as they are in the second part of the season. City's form so far is title winning and they are considerably better than both Chelsea and Leicester. A win for them tomorrow gives them an 11 point lead (effectively 12 with the goal difference). That's a 4 game swing to catch them. We are nearly halfway through the season and they are still unbeaten. Do you think they can lose 4 games in the second half of the season? And if they did can we win our games? You'd be a brave man to bet against them if they win. We need to win to turn this into a title race. They are too comfortable right now.

I am fully confident that City will go on a losing streak. They are a hipster wankfest with a soft middle that is going to be exposed tomorrow and once people see how to beat them, they're in trouble.

It's true, City are a better team than they were last year but they're still the same beast, they haven't changed the way they play. Last year they struggled in the latter stages of the Premier League and they will do so again this year.

I'll say this much, no one can win all their games, that includes this City team. They are far from the 'greatest Premier League team ever' as some pundits are suggesting.

 

[Canagel]

I am fully confident that City will go on a losing streak. They are a hipster wankfest with a soft middle that is going to be exposed tomorrow and once people see how to beat them, they're in trouble.

It's true, City are a better team than they were last year but they're still the same beast, they haven't changed the way they play. Last year they struggled in the latter stages of the Premier League and they will do so again this year.

I'll say this much, no one can win all their games, that includes this City team. They are far from the 'greatest Premier League team ever' as some pundits are suggesting.

I wish I had your confidence man. Let's hope that we bring them crashing back down to earth with a bang tommorow. (If the game isn't cancelled that is).

 

[Ainu]

I get your point. As long as its mathematically possible you never give up in football because it's football and we've seen in the past that United lost an 8 point lead with 5 games left in 2012. However the problem we have now is that City have made the best start to a season in PL history. They are not the Newcastle you mentioned. Right now nothing can go wrong for them. The season Leicester won the title I remember people kept saying they will drop points, they can't keep it going, they will collapse during the last period...etc. In actual fact once they had the lead they never looked back. The same with Chelsea in 14/15. The base for both teams came in the first half of the season and sometimes there is a narrative that results count for more during the last part of the season but that's actually wrong. Results are equally as important now as they are in the second part of the season. City's form so far is title winning and they are considerably better than both Chelsea and Leicester. A win for them tomorrow gives them an 11 point lead (effectively 12 with the goal difference). That's a 4 game swing to catch them. We are nearly halfway through the season and they are still unbeaten. Do you think they can lose 4 games in the second half of the season? And if they did can we win our games? You'd be a brave man to bet against them if they win. We need to win to turn this into a title race. They are too comfortable right now.

You can analyse it as much as you want, at the end of the day no one can predict the future and things can move quickly in football. They could continue to run away with it all season or they could suddenly face a severe dip in form, it's anyone's guess. They're strong favourites, let's just leave it at that.

 

[AXVnee7]

I think the derby should be postponed even if the snow isn't as heavy as predicted. There's going to be just too much disruption and troubles for the match going fans.

 

[TakeMeHome]

Kind of hoping its postponed. Pitch will be perfect with the undersoil heating etc however think about the fans travelling to and from. Roads and motorways will be dangerous as well as the footpaths and local roads around the stadium

 

[FujiVice]

Remember the Chelsea match being called off back in 2010. fecking freezing that day.

 

[Gentleman Jim]

I am fully confident that City will go on a losing streak. They are a hipster wankfest with a soft middle that is going to be exposed tomorrow and once people see how to beat them, they're in trouble.

It's true, City are a better team than they were last year but they're still the same beast, they haven't changed the way they play. Last year they struggled in the latter stages of the Premier League and they will do so again this year.

I'll say this much, no one can win all their games, that includes this City team. They are far from the 'greatest Premier League team ever' as some pundits are suggesting.

City are not the same beast at all. They've upgraded several weak positions from last season and brought the average age of the squad down.
You're wide of the mark when you say that they struggled in the latter stages of the PL last season. They lost at Everton mid-Jan then were beaten only once more (away at the runaway champions) but did draw a few games.
If United are to overhaul City they will have to do it in the next 2-3 months. I expect City to be at their most vulnerable then.

 

[sammsky1]

Not sure if anyone else feel similar ... tomorrow feels like the biggest game we’ve had since SAF left; even perhaps since our last CL final.

It’s much more than 3 points, we can’t expect other clubs to do our bidding if we can’t beat them ourselves. If Mourinho can figure out how to do that, it will provide that template for others to make 2nd half of season so much more difficult.

LikeWise a City win would give them such a psychological advantage, let alone a virtually insurmountable 11 point gap.

Can’t think of a better manager than Mourinho for a game of Such high stakes.

 

[SwansonsTache]

Not sure if anyone else feel similar ... tomorrow feels like the biggest game we’ve had since SAF left; even perhaps since our last CL final.

It’s much more than 3 points, we can’t expect other clubs to do our bidding if we can’t beat them ourselves. If Mourinho can figure out how to do that, it will provide that template for others to make 2nd half of season so much more difficult.

LikeWise a City win would give them such a psychological advantage, let alone a virtually insurmountable 11 point gap.

Can’t think of a better manager than Mourinho for a game of Such high stakes.

Would be feeling alright about the game if we had Pogba, but without him we've lost the only one able to carry the ball and transition from defence to attack, traits that will be very important against the City midfield.

 

[TimScoreboard]

Nerves are kicking in now, it's going to be a restless night I think. One of the biggest derby games for a while and bigger for us than them, because it is a must win for us, just to stay in contention. I do fancy us, because they've shown signs of feeling the pace in recent games, but we'll have to on it and at them from first til last.
With the predicted weather, hopefully everyone traveling gets there safely and we have a darling of a day; I think we will... 2-1 to us

 

[AngliaRed]

Not sure if anyone else feel similar ... tomorrow feels like the biggest game we’ve had since SAF left; even perhaps since our last CL final.

It’s much more than 3 points, we can’t expect other clubs to do our bidding if we can’t beat them ourselves. If Mourinho can figure out how to do that, it will provide that template for others to make 2nd half of season so much more difficult.

LikeWise a City win would give them such a psychological advantage, let alone a virtually insurmountable 11 point gap.

Can’t think of a better manager than Mourinho for a game of Such high stakes.

I agree mate!

I think JM would of preferred tomorrow to be at the Etiad where parking the bus being more accepted. Without Pogba tomorrow at OT where we’re expected to press and go for the 3 points will be hard.

Still, this is our biggest game in years, like you said, probably since SAF left. I cant wait!

 

[TimScoreboard]

Not sure if anyone else feel similar ... tomorrow feels like the biggest game we’ve had since SAF left

I've just wrote, that this is the biggest derby for a good while, because of what it means to us. Tomorrow will show us exactly where we are as a team

 

[YouOnlyLiveTwice]

We should let the snow be on the pitch, let’s see how their tiki-taka boys will do then.

 

[pocco]

Weather hasn't been that bad today. No reason to call it off as of yet.

 

[Sandikan]

Weather hasn't been that bad today. No reason to call it off as of yet.

Im currently in crewe and i know weather can vary even within 25-30miles but apart from some snow in fields currently fine. Just cold!

Fingers crossed as will be gutted to make such a long journey and stay over night for no game!

 

[crossy1686]

City are not the same beast at all. They've upgraded several weak positions from last season and brought the average age of the squad down.
You're wide of the mark when you say that they struggled in the latter stages of the PL last season. They lost at Everton mid-Jan then were beaten only once more (away at the runaway champions) but did draw a few games.
If United are to overhaul City they will have to do it in the next 2-3 months. I expect City to be at their most vulnerable then.

You can say what you want about this new and improved City 2.0 if you will but they still play the same football, albeit with better players in more natural positions. I'm not saying City won't win the league, I'm just tired of this notion that the leagues over after tomorrow's game if the result doesn't happen in United's favour. My memory isn't great when it comes to City's results last season because I obviously didn't have much interest in them with United not being competitive in the league but all I do know is that City were first for a hell of a long time then they finished well off the mark in third place. That won't happen again, I think we all know that but I'm absolutely certain City will drop points and will have a patch where they struggle.

 

[minoo-utd]

3 in midfield Herrera-Matic-Fellaini or only two with 3 up front Lingard-Martial- Lukaku
I think since Pogba out Jose will try to keep things at bay and will try to contain City's midfield with Matic, Fellaini and Herrera which can make up play 4-3-3 which means it will be different to the last fantastic two away games, but the big ask remains who will do Pogba's job tomorrow? Hope Jose goes with
-----------------Ddg----------------
Val-Jones-Mike-Rojo-Ash
------------Ander-Matic---------
Jesse-------Lukaku------TonyM

 

[crossy1686]

3 in midfield Herrera-Matic-Fellaini or only two with 3 up front Lingard-Martial- Lukaku
I think since Pogba out Jose will try to keep things at bay and will try to contain City's midfield with Matic, Fellaini and Herrera which can make up play 4-3-3 which means it will be different to the last fantastic two away games, but the big ask remains who will do Pogba's job tomorrow? Hope Jose goes with
-----------------Ddg----------------
Val-Jones-Mike-Rojo-Ash
------------Ander-Matic---------
Jesse-------Lukaku------TonyM

We need a big game tomorrow from Herrera, similar to the Chelsea performance he put in last season. If he plays like that we have a damn good chance of winning the midfield battle.

 

[Gentleman Jim]

You can say what you want about this new and improved City 2.0 if you will but they still play the same football, albeit with better players in more natural positions. I'm not saying City won't win the league, I'm just tired of this notion that the leagues over after tomorrow's game if the result doesn't happen in United's favour. My memory isn't great when it comes to City's results last season because I obviously didn't have much interest in them with United not being competitive in the league but all I do know is that City were first for a hell of a long time then they finished well off the mark in third place. That won't happen again, I think we all know that but I'm absolutely certain City will drop points and will have a patch where they struggle.

Well of course the style of football is similar to last season. Guardiola's style has served him well over the years and he's going to keep at it always but making adjustments to suit the personnel in the squad and the vagaries of the EPL. Any Manager worthy of the name will keep on refining their craft to try to outwit their contemporaries.
Why wouldn't he?
I'm normally on the cautious side when it comes to making predictions but if United were to lose tomorrow an 11 point gap would pretty much mean that you would have zero margin for error.
Can you really see that happening?

 

[Devil may care]

This is amazing

 

[matherto]

Would be feeling alright about the game if we had Pogba, but without him we've lost the only one able to carry the ball and transition from defence to attack, traits that will be very important against the City midfield.

To be honest I think we'd be way too open with Pogba meaning we'd get picked apart by a Silva or De Bruyne being completely free and unmarked near our box.

Not having him will force Mourinho into full park the bus and disrupt play mentality and hopefully we nab them on the counter.

I'd take a draw right now.

 

[SwansonsTache]

To be honest I think we'd be way too open with Pogba meaning we'd get picked apart by a Silva or De Bruyne being completely free and unmarked near our box.

Not having him will force Mourinho into full park the bus and disrupt play mentality and hopefully we nab them on the counter.

I'd take a draw right now.

Reckon we would have played a 3-5-2 with Fellaini or Herrera partnering Pogba and Matic, that would have been more solid than the midfield two of Pogba and Matic which quite frankly doesn't work.

Still think we'll play 3-5-2 but with Herrera and Fellaini, and our transitions will suffer.

I'd gladly take a draw.

 

[jymufc20]

What's all this talk about the match possibly being called off ?

The only place i have seen this mentioned is this thread.

 

[Class of 63]

Harsh on Smalling who has kicked on again after his England snub, and Lingard who has been brilliant for the last two games but it's time to revert back to 4-4-2

De Gea
Valencia Jones Rojo Darmian
Young Fellaini Matic Shaw
Lukaku Martial

Romero Smalling Blind Herrera Lingard Ibrahimovic Rashford


Sorry Juan ​

 

[peridigm]

Harsh on Smalling who has kicked on again after his England snub, and Lingard who has been brilliant for the last two games but it's time to revert back to 4-4-2

De Gea
Valencia Jones Rojo Darmian
Young Fellaini Matic Shaw
Lukaku Martial

Romero Smalling Blind Herrera Lingard Ibrahimovic Rashford


Sorry Juan ​

6 defenders? That'd be the most bus parking lineup we've put out this season. Not to mention starting two players that haven't played together this season, two players in positions they haven't played this season with one only starting his first match in 8 months just last week. No thanks. I hope to see us play a back 3 of Lindelof - Smalling - Rojo with Valencia and Young on the flanks.

 

[Jagga7]

I'm going to the match, gutted I won't be able to see Pogba. I have feeling we're going to get hammered.

 

[The Mad Manc]

I'd take a draw right now.

I'd gladly take a draw.

Seriously guys, how on earth does that help us? We are then asking the rest of the league to do what we couldn't do ourselves.

We need to win! I'd rather go for it a bit and lose than play for a point.

 

[The Mad Manc]

I'm going to the match, gutted I won't be able to see Pogba. I have feeling we're going to get hammered.

Have some faith brother!

That said, I've been to 3 derbies and we've never won. Banned myself!

 

[Shark]

I have a feeling this is going to be cancelled.

 

[Harry190]

Postpone. Obsolete. Delete. Brother Nero.

 

[12OunceEpilogue]

Anyone live or been close to the ground and seen what the weathers like at the moment?

A bit of sleet earlier today but nothing major. It will need to snow heavily throughout this morning to really put the game in danger and as far as I know the forecast has been downgraded somewhat from the very worst that was talked about. I think the game will go ahead.

 

[Antisocial]

Postpone. Obsolete. Delete. Brother Nero.

Wonderful!

 

[Ronaldo's Mum Eh?]

I'm going to the match, gutted I won't be able to see Pogba. I have feeling we're going to get hammered.

Flying in from the US?

 

[MZX7]

We are going to win this. If weather permits, we will be seeing a Mourinho Masterclass against Pep. Can't wait for it!! Bring it on!!

What is the caf recommending for our midfield? Two man midfield of Herrera-Matic/Fellaini-Matic or 3 man midfield of Herrera - Fellaini - Matic?

I'd start off with a two man midfield, press them high up the pitch, grab an early goal and move to a 3 man midfield and control the game.

Lingard to continue his magical spell and helping Lukaku/Martial grab an early goal.

However, I don't think 1 goal will be enough. We will need at least 2 goals to win this.

 

[VancouverUtdFan]

Let’s fecking goooooooooo!!!!!!!



So amped up and a nice little 830 morning start time for me. Hoping there’s no hiccups and the game is played. Next 12 hours can’t go by fast enough