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This weekend in English football has as its highlights back to back "derby days" which will see crosstown rivals doing battle against each other. Come out to the pub, grab a coffee or a beer, and imagine The Eagles playing a game against a team from Northeast Philly.
Manchester United vs Manchester City
Man City seek the improbable as they travel across town Saturday to Old Trafford where they have not won since 1974. City’s impressive defense looks to rule the day as Man U’s only losses of 2006 have come against stifling opposition - a 1-0 loss to Arsenal in Premiership play as well as 1-0 losses to FC Copenhagen and Celtic in Champions League action. With 4 draws in their last five matches at Old Trafford, City feels that they are at the cusp of a massive win, especially since they nearly came through a year ago, with an exceptional save by Edwin Van der Sar as the only thing that kept them from victory late in the match. As it worked well against Liverpool in a 1-0 loss on the 25th of November, they are expected to use a 4-5-1, which should see Micah Richards brought up to midfield from defense and Nedum Ououha placed at right back.
City’s problem, however, is that they lack the scorer’s touch. After Joey Barton’s team-leading 4 strikes, the goals fall off precipitously. Conversely, Man U has two 7-goal scorers - Rooney/Saha - as well as Cristiano Ronaldo, who has put the ball away 5 times. Man U will look to Ronaldo, who will receive the EPL player of the month award prior to the match, to stretch the field and test City’s defense early and often. Ryan Giggs will also come into the game with a boost, having scored the winner for United Wednesday with a fantastic header. Also, with the game he will move into a tie for 2nd place for most games played for Manchester United.
City has no injury concerns, while Patrice Evra will most likely be sidelined with a calf injury suffered in Wednesday’s Champions’s League win against Benifica. Ji-Sung Park will also be unlikely to see time for United. Though he is back from an injury, his fitness is down as he has only played 45 minutes since September.
More after the jump...
Arsenal vs Chelsea (The London Battle)
Playing against his former team at Stanford Bridge, Ashley Cole will receive Terrell Owens-like treatment from the visiting fans, as he left Arsenal after an acrimonious salary dispute. But Arsenal will be more focused on grasping their last chance to join the title race. They will be without maestro Terry Henry as well as other top players - midfielder Tomas Rosicky and defender William Gallas. Defender Kolo Toure will sit out with a suspension, which will result in a highly youthful defensive corps for Arsenal. Johan Djourou, taking the place of Gallas, will start at central defense with Phillipe Senderos. Gael Clichy and Emmanuel Ebuoe will complete Arsenal’s backline.
John Terry is set to return for Chelsea after a one week European ban. One would like to see what a duly motivated Andriy Shevchenko is capable of against Arsenal. He has been surrounded by rumors of being put out on loan following a season that has been disappointing for such a high salaried player. The title race will be of keen interest for Chelsea as well, of course, as they will be intent on not letting Manchester United open up a 9 point lead in the Premiership.
When and where to watch in Philly:
Manchester United vs Manchester City
Saturday, 12/9, 7:45am EST
-The Dark Horse (2nd between South and Pine)
-Fado’s Irish Pub (15th and Locust)
*Both pubs will be open bright and early for the game
Arsenal vs Chelsea
Sunday, 12/10, 11am EST
-same as above
Other pubs that are great to watch a game at:
-The New Deck Tavern (University City)
-The Blarney Bar and Grill (South St. next to the TLA)
-Oneals (3rd and South)
Image Credit: Flickr user jbelluch
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What the hell does this have to do with Philadelphia?
Nobody cares about stupid soccer!
This is not Soccerist, Manchesterist or Londonist.
I care about soccer, and knowing where to go in our city to watch real soccer is a benefit to all.
There's your answer, Nertz. Run along now. (Thanks, Drew.)
Since British Football is covered so much, perhaps you can also lend some coverage to Buffalo Hockey? I'd love to find out where to watch the Sabres on TV, since they're not on cable except for a few times during the season.
Phillyist is so plugged in to the sports scene around here. The Iverson trade gets decried as fake news in a one-liner, but we've got an in-depth preview of a #@$%ing British soccer game? Dude, Jim, get your own website. This could not have less of a place here.
Dude, Chris, I do have my own website, thanks. Also, I didn't write this article.