Preview: Manchester City v Birmingham City

Roberto Mancini’s side will look to complete a satisfactory week of three Premier League matches with a second victory. Anything less and the Italian’s critics will once again be circling.

Such are the fine margins for City’s manager these days. In terms of Champions League qualification, there is as much riding on the Birmingham result as that against United.

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Verdict: Manchester City 0 Manchester United 0

City and United cancelled each other out to the extent that even Fergie time passed without incident. Despite the hype claiming the huge significance of this derby, the reality is different at this relatively early stage of the season. In the overall league campaign, a draw was acceptable to both sides.

No doubt it was a poor spectacle for the many neutrals who tuned in, and the manager has had plenty of criticism for his tactics. Mancini will be unmoved, the result was satisfactory. In this regard Roberto is very much the Italian manager.

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Player ratings: Manchester City v Manchester United

Hart – United’s two shots of menace were straight at him. Elsewhere Joe’s handling was sound and he remained in control of his area throughout. 7

Boateng (Kolarov 81mins) – Looking increasingly at home in the Premier League. Nothing spectacular from Jerome, but this was his soundest defensive performance so far. Error free. 7

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Preview: Manchester City v Manchester United

City go into tonight’s game knowing that victory will move us level on points with United. Of course, there will always be other motivating factors in a game against the neighbours.

Thankfully we won at the weekend and the unwarranted pressure on both Roberto Mancini and the squad has been alleviated. Regardless of the result tonight our place in the top four is looking more comfortable thanks to Tottenham’s current form of 2 points from a possible 12.

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