Stage set for battle of Manchester

Sep 21, 2013 |

The Manchester derby takes top billing in the Premier League this weekend, as England’s leading teams return to domestic action after a week of mixed fortunes in European competition.

Manchester United and Manchester City face off at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, in what will be a first taste of the fixture for both United manager David Moyes and his City counterpart Manuel Pellegrini.
Both sides have made spluttering starts to the season, having each amassed seven points from their first four league games, but they both enjoyed convincing wins in mid-week.
United opened their Champions League campaign with an entertaining 4-2 win at home to Bayer Leverkusen, while City enjoyed a 3-0 victory away to Czech champions Viktoria Pilsen.
United striker Wayne Rooney confirmed his return to form with a brace against Leverkusen and he will now hope to repeat his performance from last season’s equivalent fixture against City, when he scored twice in a 3-2 victory.
Last season, an injury-time free-kick from Robin van Persie sent United six points clear of their city rivals and it was a setback that the defending champions were unable to overcome.
With this season’s encounter taking place earlier in the campaign, it is unlikely to prove quite as decisive, but City captain Vincent Kompany is still relishing the occasion.
Whereas the two Manchester clubs slipped seamlessly into gear in Europe, Chelsea were dealt a chastening home defeat by Swiss champions FC Basel.
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has always set great store by making his teams invulnerable at home and he has called for an immediate response in Saturday’s derby at home to west London neighbours Fulham.
Liverpool conceded their 100 percent record in Monday’s 2-2 draw at Swansea City, but they remain top of the table by a point and will look to strengthen their position at home to Southampton on Saturday.
Southampton drew 0-0 at home to West Ham United last weekend and are bidding for a first victory since their 1-0 success at West Bromwich Albion on the opening day of the season.
Another manager buoyed by mid-week European success was Arsenal’s Arsene Wenger, whose side won 2-1 at Marseille in the Champions League to record a 10th consecutive away success in all competitions.
Wenger is expected to hand a home debut to record signing Mesut Ozil against Stoke City on Saturday, when Arsenal will be chasing a sixth straight victory.
Tottenham Hotspur, who opened their Europa League campaign against Norwegian side Tromso on Thursday, visit promoted Cardiff City on Sunday.

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