City vs United: Predicted Line Up

Carlos and Sergio will be lethal...

By Archie Barnett

With the biggest Manchester derby in my life time fast approaching, here is the third part of our build up to the game.

I believe that we have nothing to fear going in to derby day. Realistically, we have the bigger and better side. With various players hitting form, we have knocked up 9 points from the last 3 games and scored an impressive 12 goals. Sergio Aguero has recently linked back up with international team mate Carlos Tevez, and this partnership is proving to be lethal.

Here is my expected line up for the game at the Etihad Stadium.

Here is my reasoning...

Joe Hart - Hailed as England's number one, this is a no brainer. He has been sensational throughout the season, quickly becoming one of the best goalkeepers in the world.

Micah Richards - He has sat out the last couple of games and I reckon he should start IF match fit. We will need his explosive runs throughout the game and he certainly has the talent to test Patrice Evra at left back. Pablo Zabaleta has been great the last few games, but I think we will really need Micah's surges forward on Monday, and that is why I have chosen the Englishman in front of the Argentinean.

Vincent Kompany (C) - Absolutely solid at the back, forming a great partnership with other centre half Joleon Lescott. Vincent is possibly one of the first on the team sheet and is no doubt our strongest centre back at the club.

Joleon Lescott - Again, proving a very effective partnership with Belgian Vincent Kompany. Had a brilliant season and has been sensational the last few games. One of the most passionate players in the squad, who puts his all in every game. 

Gael Clichy - His balls (passes) have been deadly in the last few weeks. A great assist to Sergio Aguero last weekend, gets forward well and is solid at left back. The Frenchman will be needed to make those runs down the wing and he will need to continue playing those defence splitting passes that we have grown used to seeing.

Gareth Barry - English, passion, solid, what else do you want? Gareth has been great this season, one of our unsung heroes. He seems to keep things tight in midfield, putting in vital tackles here, there and everywhere. Will play a vital role in keeping Paul Scholes at bay.

Mike Hewitt/Getty Images Europe

Yaya Toure - One word, powerhouse. Another player capable of producing powerful runs forward, and he will need to use this effectively on Monday night. He scares players as he runs towards them and I think Yaya will play a very important role in the derby. The Ivory Coast international scored the winner against United at Wembley, fingers crossed he can produce a goal again on Monday night.

Samir Nasri - Really hit form recently, great assists, a goal last week. Samir will be brimming with confidence and another high speed performance will be expected from him. He appears to have cemented his place in the City starting XI, whilst silencing all his critics.

Carlos Tevez - 4 goals in the last 3 games for Carlos, whether he will increase that tally against former club United remains a mystery. Sensational talent, an asset to any team whilst on the pitch. Had his problems with Manchester City, however he will truly be forgiven if he is to grab a goal at the Etihad. The script is written for Carlos, a goal against his former club in order to put his current club top of the league, all he has to do is act it out with pure passion and energy.

David Silva - Magician. He can create something out of nothing, incredible vision, huge talent. He can open up the United defence, like he did on that day in Stretford where Manchester City won 6-1. I will never forget that ball to Dzeko in order to get the sixth of the day, and more of the same will be needed on Monday.

Shaun Botterill/Getty Images Europe

Sergio Aguero - "That horrible little man that won't go away" is what Rio Ferdinand will be thinking. The Argentinean has been on terrific form throughout the season and United will be fearing this man. He won't give up on anything, similar to Carlos. Sergio and Carlos have created a great partnership throughout the last couple of games, and those two put together is lethal. Sergio is pure class and I look forward to seeing him tear apart the Manchester United defence on Monday night.

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