161st Manchester Derby (Questions that'll need answers)

The Manchester giants go head to head this Sunday in the 161st Manchester Derby, in my short time on earth I do not think there has been any game this hugely anticipated; not only by fans of both teams, but by the entire football public the world over. Manchester City have always been in the shadows of their neighbours; Manchester United until the inflow of Arab money has changed the fortunes of the East-land club, now City can compete at par with United both domestically and on the continent. 

City's trip to Old Trafford would be their first since the retiring of the iconic clock banner at the Stretford end, expect some chanting in that regard; however, at the end of the derby a number of questions may or may not have been answered by both teams; I seek to highlight the questions that need answers before and after the derby.

Will the Manchester Derby be the preeminent fixture of the English Football Calendar?

Manchester United V Liverpool has always been the preeminent fixture in the Football calendar in England, the trophy laden history of both teams has set them apart from the rest of the country. City on the other hand have always been in the shadow of United from time past, with the monumental investment in players by the east land  club it may just be a matter of time for them to get and stay at the pinnacle of the English game. Matches between both teams in the last couple of seasons have been highly charged and held viewers spell bound compared to the last couple of Liverpool V United games especially last week's instalment; remember the 4-3 in extended stoppage time, late winner in Carling Cup Semi final, Scholes late winner at the Etihad and Rooney's winning over head kick.

The tie takes added significance in the fact that both teams are currently in the top two on the league table with Manchester City two points clear of United. The last time both teams were top of the table in this order was in 1968; City won the league and United won the old European cup (Champions League), if that means anything at the end of the season we'll find out. For shear passion, enthusiasm and some late drama, the Manchester derby may just be edging ahead of the North west derby.

Will Mario Balotelli ever attain his full potential?

Mario Balotelli, gifted, enigmatic and erratic, however he is Manchester City's in form striker with 4 goals in 3 games. The whole Tevez debacle has worked in his favour, but with Mario Ballotelli you never know what to expect, one moment brilliant, the next absolutely insane. The truth is this derby is made for him, but would he be in the right frame of mind especially after the fireworks debacle; would he ever actualize the potential that the world has always known he possesses or would he wither away like many that have come before he that had such a special gift.

Would a goal by an ex United player for City cost United the League eventually?

When the fixture list is released, if you ask Carlos Tevez what game he looks forward to the most, he'll tell you it’s the derby versus United, but then the world knows Carlitos won't figure in this derby for obvious reasons. This game may be rather early in the season to decide the destination of the title at season's end but then we may be tempted to rewind to 1974 when the great Dennis Law scored the goal that’s famed to have condemned United to relegation. This may just be left to my imagination, but just imagine a certain Owen Hargreaves scoring a title deciding goal against United at the Etihad, it would have the same effect has Dennis Law but maybe even worse. Hargreaves would be a surprise inclusion for this first derby, but then stranger things have happened.

Is there anything like a championship six pointer?

Over time we have gotten used to the idea of a relegation six pointers towards the end of various seasons, however we may need to get used to the notion of championship six pointers. No league championship is won in October, it is marathon and not a sprint; but with the start that the Manchester teams have had especially Manchester City, a victory at Old Trafford; their second in 37years would not only put them 5 points ahead of United but may confide United to the third position by the end of day. Victory for United can then not be overemphasized principally because United have won their matches against their rivals at home and also seek their 20th win at Old Trafford in a row (a Club Record). United would not for any reason want to have ground to catch up with on its rivals even though its early days yet.

Is two Decades of dominance about to be threaten or extinguished

Manchester City have spent close to £500MM pounds on players, gone through 3managers since the revolution was started by Shinuwata and later modified by the Petrol dollars from Adu Dhabi, truth is this scheme/project was always aimed at ensuring City are able to someday knock United off their lofty position as the dominant team over the last 20 years in England by all parameters. Is that ambition about to be achieved, well we'll never know; Chelsea, Arsenal, Blackburn have all tried in time past but United have always found a way to rediscover themselves, however; victory at Old Trafford may just be the catalyst needed to drive them to the title come May 2012.

Will City ever step up in the big games?

Previews of the game has mainly been centered on how Roberto Mancini would approach the game as it has been his nature to be somewhat negative and defensive when playing his major rivals. However, I strongly believe the current City are better equipped now to approach the game with an attack based mentality with Silva, Aguero and Dzeko/ Balotelli up front in a 4-3-3; this is because the shear movement of Aguero and Silva would be quite crucial up front and a midfield base of De Jong, Yaya Toure and Barry(however this midfield three still has caution written all over it);provides enough protection if United decide to apply a counter attacking game plan with Young and Nani; he however needs to find room for Nasri for his trickery . An opportunity to go 5 points clear on your closest rivals may not present itself again during the course of the season, so grab the chance with both hands Roberto.

Would both teams have too much respect for each other?

Matches of this nature, with all the hype and publicity end up been an anti climax, would both teams go into the game with too much respect for each other and just go through the motions and settle for a draw. It’s happened before, but we hope not as both teams have the squads to provide entertainment of the highest quality.

Is City ready to be Champions?

Is Manchester City ready to be champions? If you scan through the entire squad, it’s not a squad of champions, asides Kompany and Tevez (the less that is said about him the better) no one has the experience of winning a league anywhere(correct me if I am wrong), although Silva is a world cup winner and Aguero has a Europa League medal. This lack of championship winning experience may just be the drive that sees City through the finish line, but I firmly believe City probably still need one more season and a better team spirit.

Would the young guns galvanize United?

The last time both teams met was at the Community Shield, United had gone two goals down before half time and all of a sudden Sir Alex introduces his young guns at half time, all of a sudden we had a different game on our hands. United recorded a 3-2 victory due to the performances of Smalling, Jones and Cleverly; would Sir Alex have any such aces off his sleeve this time?

Was that Rooney Bicycle Kick a Fluke?

I guess we'll have to wait and see if he tries it again, whatever the outcome, then we would know.