THERE is a growing notion that Manchester City will win Monday’s derby and then go on to win the League. This, no doubt, is how the Citizens would want it to be.

Of course, those at Old Trafford will be wishing for the opposite – with their club winning and going on to retain the Premiership crown for a record 20th time.

Who knows how the title race is going to unfold. But one could hazard a few permutations and, maybe somewhere along the line, get it right.

There is some rationale as to why so many folks, and pundits, are backing City to overcome their cross-town rivals and regain the top spot in the standings again.

Much of this is simply because City have a much stronger squad, a more efficient and cohesive unit – in attack and defence – and, perhaps more importantly, because the Eastlands side are just a much better team all-round.

What also encourages one to think that City can indeed pull off another victory over the old enemy (remember the 6-1 thrashing at the Theatre of Dreams earlier in this campaign) is that they have been playing much better lately than at the start of the New Year.

Yes, last week’s 2-0 triumph over lowly Wolves, who were consigned to relegation in that game, was not vintage Man City – the team that lit up world club football from August through December.

But they have shown glimpses of their true colours in recent weeks, and in some cases extended periods, of just how ruthlessly potent and resourceful they can be.

The Red Devils will be hoping Roberto Mancini’s men will not replicate that sort of form, like in the 6-1 demolition of Norwich a fortnight ago, at the Etihad Stadium of Monday.

Much attention will focus on the two wayward stars of City – Carlos Tevez and Mario Balotelli – and for good reason.

Tevez is on a comeback of some real huge proportions and, of course, is despised by Man United for leaving to join City in the middle of 2009. The Argentine is in good goal-scoring nick at the moment and could be instrumental in how things develop at the Etihad.

His compatriot Sergio Aquero has been in prolific form since his debut at the start of the season and could again leave his imprint on another fixture, albeit one that could well determine the championship title.

Many are guessing that Mancini will start with Balotelli against United. Whether or not this is the case, one would like to think that the Italian youngster should serve some time on the bench after returning from suspension.

Given his enormous talent, and volatile temperament, maybe coming off the bench to make an impact would not be a bad idea for City.

All the same, City will be expected to deliver, and deliver BIG TIME.

That is how much is expected of this side, one that started the season with an open declaration that it was their intention to lift the Premier League title above all else.

And in some ways, that is why so many football folks are fuelling the notion that Man City will win Monday’s Manchester derby and then go on to lift their first League title since 1968.

That will make the red half of Manchester sing the blues, wouldn’t it?

Shaun Orange reckons that City’s superior squad – in terms of talent and depth – will be the difference on Monday night and that the Citizens could win 3-0 at the Etihad Stadium.

 

 

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