ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE:MANCHESTER CITY should be at full strength for the derby with Manchester United on Monday with only Micah Richards requiring rehab due to a hamstring problem, while Mario Balotelli is available again following his suspension.
Richards missed the 2-0 win at Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday, which Yaya Touré did play in despite being hampered by a recent knee problem.
The Ivorian will be available and Roberto Mancini, the City manager, hopes he has recovered his full form by Monday.
“If Yaya Touré is on form, he is a top player,” Mancini said: “But we need him to be 100 per cent and on Sunday he was so-so. We also need to check on Richards to see how his hamstring is. Providing he has recovered, with Balotelli back from suspension, we will have everyone.”
The Italian has missed the past three games after he was sent off in the 1-0 defeat at Arsenal.
Richards undertook some rehabilitation work at the club on Tuesday and although the 162nd derby is seven days away it is understood the right-back’s participation is not in doubt.
After the champions dropped two points in their 4-4 draw with Everton at Old Trafford on Sunday, City trail United by three points as they chase a first title since 1968. Mancini’s men have a superior goal difference of six over United.
This makes the derby on Monday the most crucial in the history of the fixture although Mancini attempted to play down its significance.
“The derby is always the game of the year,” he said. “For the supporters, a derby is always a different game to the others. It is important for the city. Manchester has two top teams who are in a position to play this important game.
“But for us it will just be one more game, not because we fight for this or for that, and after it there are another two games, very tough games. We are happy to be where we are. We already have 10 more points than we got last year, and I am happy that we can finish the season well.”
There have already been two meetings this season with United being humiliated 6-1 in front of their own supporters in October and Ferguson’s men gaining some revenge by knocking City out of the FA Cup 3-2 in January at the Etihad Stadium.
Former United midfielder Bryan Robson believes Ferguson will view winning the Premier League this season as one of his greatest triumphs given the resources available at Manchester City.
But former United captain Robson expects Ferguson to overhaul his squad this summer, whatever the outcome of the title race during the next three weeks.
“There has always been great rivalry between the two clubs but for the first time in many years, City are up there challenging for the title. That is why for Sir Alex, with it being Manchester City, it will be extra-special for him, because of the resources City have got.
“They’ve got a great squad while Sir Alex has brought a few kids through and had a lot of injuries to contend with this season.
“It will be a great achievement if United win the title this season. It will give Sir Alex great satisfaction.”
Robson expects City to continue to spend big money on their squad but expects Ferguson to also be busy in the transfer market this summer. “City can afford to do that (bring in top players) but the one thing Sir Alex will do, whether he wins the title or not, is to build in the summer.
“He will do that to try and compete and get back above, or to stay in front of Man City, depending on what happens during the next three games.”
Guardian Service
