United to lose bragging rights?

It's a super Sunday in the Premier League this weekend when at 1.30pm the 148th competitive Manchester derby between City and United takes place at the City of Manchester Stadium. The intrigue is intensified by the fact that the Citizens have made a bright start, beating West Ham and Derby without conceding, while their illustrious neighbours have faltered, playing out a stalemate against Reading at Old Trafford before settling for another solitary point at Portsmouth in midweek. Another added ingredient which makes for a tasty recipe is that it's Sven Goran Eriksson's first Manchester Derby as the Blues' manager. With the backing of new club owner, Dr Thaksin Shinawatra, the Swede has brought some exciting players, including Rolando Bianchi and Geovanni, both of whom started in the best possible way when scoring during City's 2-0 win at Upton Park. Sir Alex Ferguson has also lured some of the brightest young things to Manchester. However, Wayne Rooney is out for a couple of months after fracturing his foot against Reading, while Ronaldo stars a three-match ban. Furthermore, Owen Hargreaves, Louis Saha, Anderson and Gary Neville are all on the sidelines. Bookies are being a shade premature in promoting Chelsea to favoritism, usurping United at the head of the market. In 1998 Sir Alex's charges made a poor start to the campaign and people started writing them off, only for the Red Devils to go from first to fifth gear without warning and end the season as treble winners, adding the Champions League to Premiership and FA Cup triumphs.But, with so many key players ruled out, the champs definitely look vulnerable. They've managed to make successful raids against City in seven of the last 10 corresponding fixtures. However, with the wind very much in their sails, Eriksson's men can thwart the visitors and make it three from three for the season, maintaining their best ever start to a Premier League season. Tactically, this will be an interesting encounter and one which will call on Sir Alex to improvise in midfield and up front. One suspects that Carlos Tevez may be partnered in attack by Ryan Giggs, and this duo are classy enough to cause havoc against any defense in the country. As such, Micah Richards and Richard Dunne will be kept busy at the heart of the home side's defense. Defensively the Citizens look rock-solid and as a result of Sven's summer spending spree there is now quality throughout the side. The loss of former captain Joey Barton has been balanced by the signings of high class midfielders in Brazil's Elano and Martin Petrov and there is a good balance of experience and potential within the ranks. All things considered, I am surprised that United are odds-on virtually across the board - only NPbet go even money - and they're as short as 4/6 with Betfred and Coral. Meanwhile, a number of firms, including Betfred, are offering 7/2 about Man City, which makes plenty of appeal. I'm also keen on having a side bet on the home side to keep a clean sheet at 4/1 with the same firm. Verdict: 1pt Man City to win @ 7/2 (Betfred)1pt man City to keep a clean sheet @ 4/1 (Betfred)