Today, Manchester United meet Manchester City for the second Manchester derby of the season. Being the first match that Manchester United will play since the 50th anniversary of the Munich air disaster, it is going to be highly emotional affair. There will be a minute's silence before the match, and all United fans will be hoping that no City fool will disturb the mark of respect.

United are not firing all cylinders at the moment. They slipped up against Spurs last time around at White Hart Lane, managing only a draw. But Sir Alex has argued that the lost can be seen as a point gained rather than two lost. From Ronaldo and Tevez, nobody seems to score and the return of Scholes has given Sir Alex a midfield selection dilemma.

Manchester City have also experienced a drastic drop in their fortunes. their away form has never been great and now they have started to struggle at home too. Their defence has started to leak goals and their strikers don't seem to score enough goals. Now Benjani has cmpleted his move to City he will surely help them in the scoring department.

Rooney and Evra are suspended for today's game, which is quite a blow for United.. This puts an extra responsibility on Ronaldo and Tevez to score today. There is speculation that teenage-striker might be included in the starting line-up, but think he will be on the bench. motivated by the Munich disaster anniversary and the legend of Busby Babes,I expect United to go out all guns blazing. Given City's recent poor form and pathetic away record,able to cope with United's attack. Derbies are always close affairs,bu I expect United to be just too strong for City today.

Prediction: 3-1

Today's second match is a 'Big-Four' clash between Chelsea and Liverpool at Stamford Bridge. No one can deny that Chelsea are on a run of real good form. prior to thier draw against Portsmouth, they had chalked up nine straight victories in all competitions,even without thir African stars,JT and Lampard. Signing Anelka has been a huge plus for them and strangely, the injuries have helped their cause, allowing Grant to pick a settled side on a consistent basis.

In contrast, no one can deny that Liverpool are in a sort of a mini-crisis. Board-room problems have coincided with poor on-the-field results. Already out of the title race, now they face a tough battle to for the fouth-place and Benitez seems on the bring of the sack.

The return of Mikel and Lampard will further boost Chelsea. on the other hand Torres is out for Liverpool which makes thier chances of getting a win at Stamford Bridge almost non-existent. I expect Chelsea to have lots of possessin and play thier usual brand of football. Like their recent matches, they will convert their possession into goals,making it very difficult for Liverpool. In the end, I expect the Blues to run out quite comfortable winners tonight.

Pediction: 2-0

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