BPL: An Analysis of the Defensive Units of both Manchester Teams

-Johan

Team Statistics

Though not a title decider,  Sunday’s game will most certainly be viewed by both teams with the same amount of importance.

Manchester City have a history of colossal collapses against seemingly weaker teams while Manchester United have a history of finishing strong. Both teams will not only want to 
win on Sunday, as it remains one of the biggest derbies in the world, but also because it will potentially pave the way to the Barclays Premier League title. 

Manchester United and Manchester City are both leading contenders along with Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea, who, despite their poor form are only 10 points behind the league leaders (i.e. Manchester City). Sunday’s game will be watched not only by the fans but also the opposition and we, the fans, are hopefully set for a spectacle.

Manchester United and Manchester City's current Barclays Premier League form

• Manchester United have created 73 chances and scored 15 goals – a success rate of 20.5%.

• Manchester City have created 139 chances and converted 24 of these at a rate of 17.3%.

There is not much between the two Manchester giants except for the chances created and the goals scored. United have created 73 chances and scored 15 goals – a success rate of 20.5% while City have created 139 chances and converted 24 of these at a rate of 17.3%.

Manchester United might have scored 9 goals less than Manchester City, but when you consider the opposition both sides have faced thus far, it is clear that the latter have had easier start to the season than the former. This should bode well for Manchester United apart from the fact that both games they lost had one thing in common – pace and direct attack lines. That is how Manchester City play.

Both sides have only conceded 8 goals after 9 games and it will not be surprising if the match will be decided by the more organized defensive unit.

Manchester United vs. Manchester City's Defensive Unit

When considering 6 most likely candidates to fill the back four in each team, there are some notable observations we can conclude:

Manchester City have been more consistent in selection which is very important in creating and enhancing confidence between players and improving chemistry between them, an aspect of the modern game many fail to notice and/or consider. 

The consistency in selection has also helped to boost the combined numbers in the team. However, when you look at the success ratios between the two defensive units United beat City in both Tackles and Take-ons, while their aerial duel loss could possibly be contributed to Blind who has the worst aerial duel ratio in the United team.

When comparing the success ratios between the defensive unit of both teams, Manchester United surpass Manchester City in tackles and take-ons.  

Both teams possess a fine defensive record. Manchester United have appeared more vulnerable but the back four consisting of Matteo Darmian, Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Marcos Rojo provides the confidence needed to keep a clean sheet against Manchester City. This combination is probably one of the best to be featured against a team like Manchester City. 

No matter how well both sides defend over the weekend, goals should come with the splendor of attacking players that will potentially feature in the upcoming Manchester derby.