17 points out of 21 have brought some credibility to a season and may take some of the initial edge off the forthcoming mandatory summer of discontent.
Blackburn were utter cack and from looking at the general mood of their fans I shouldn't imagine it's too long before the usual protest movement comes to a cheap plasma screen near you. Venky's always had a whiff of tits about them from the offset, but I clearly remember them beauts pretending to be blasé about visiting Wembley for the Charity Shield in 1996 so I consider it korma (sic).
We've looked miles better since we've had a few prominent lids out injured as it's seemingly had a galvanising effect on the team with a few of the fringe players having to step up. Without wanting to put a dampener of it, we have played some sh*te teams in that spell so this weekend's game should be a better yardstick to see if we're suddenly ace again.
United will be smarting somewhat from being dumped out of the FA Cup semi final by the bad scruffs they share a city with. Deserved too, once City clicked in gear they had United on the back foot. You'd guess they'll be a different proposition at Old Trafford on the back of that result and chasing a historic 19th league title.
Rooney returns from his two match ban for being a bit of a prick and kicking off at a cameraman. He's been in good form lately so will have to be watched closely. Nani, who looks like a Pontins Michael Jackson tribute, has trouble staying on his feet but really makes them tick this season. He's a huge creative influence and Hibbert will need to be at his annoying best to contain him.
There may be an enforced change this week with Heitinga's hamstring seemingly going. I thought Rodwell done well and used the ball well when he came on so he's likely to start. The only other changes may be on the flanks. Arteta is expected to be fit for this game and Coleman will have a week's training under him. They importantly have a bit more snide in their tackle which will come in useful in the wide areas at Old Trafford. It's often levelled that Osman fails to show in the big games (although he was excellent in some big games last year), we'll need him continuing his recent form for this.
Not so long ago this fixture would have been as welcome as two men necking in a Soho pub. There's permutations of Europe flying around everywhere with City in the FA Cup Final and allegations of Birmingham's financial position being dire. Sack that and keep up doing what were doing, just one game at a time blues.
Blackburn were utter cack and from looking at the general mood of their fans I shouldn't imagine it's too long before the usual protest movement comes to a cheap plasma screen near you. Venky's always had a whiff of tits about them from the offset, but I clearly remember them beauts pretending to be blasé about visiting Wembley for the Charity Shield in 1996 so I consider it korma (sic).
We've looked miles better since we've had a few prominent lids out injured as it's seemingly had a galvanising effect on the team with a few of the fringe players having to step up. Without wanting to put a dampener of it, we have played some sh*te teams in that spell so this weekend's game should be a better yardstick to see if we're suddenly ace again.
United will be smarting somewhat from being dumped out of the FA Cup semi final by the bad scruffs they share a city with. Deserved too, once City clicked in gear they had United on the back foot. You'd guess they'll be a different proposition at Old Trafford on the back of that result and chasing a historic 19th league title.
Rooney returns from his two match ban for being a bit of a prick and kicking off at a cameraman. He's been in good form lately so will have to be watched closely. Nani, who looks like a Pontins Michael Jackson tribute, has trouble staying on his feet but really makes them tick this season. He's a huge creative influence and Hibbert will need to be at his annoying best to contain him.
There may be an enforced change this week with Heitinga's hamstring seemingly going. I thought Rodwell done well and used the ball well when he came on so he's likely to start. The only other changes may be on the flanks. Arteta is expected to be fit for this game and Coleman will have a week's training under him. They importantly have a bit more snide in their tackle which will come in useful in the wide areas at Old Trafford. It's often levelled that Osman fails to show in the big games (although he was excellent in some big games last year), we'll need him continuing his recent form for this.
Not so long ago this fixture would have been as welcome as two men necking in a Soho pub. There's permutations of Europe flying around everywhere with City in the FA Cup Final and allegations of Birmingham's financial position being dire. Sack that and keep up doing what were doing, just one game at a time blues.
