In A Battle of Will vs Skill Who Will Rule The Roost In Manchester?

There is never any love lost during the Manchester derby, so expect nothing else as Manchester City welcome their  greatest foes to the Etihad

After achieving their highest finish since Alex Ferguson's departure it was imagined that Manchester United would be Manchester City's biggest challenge in the Centurions retaining their league crown.

Things haven't gone to script though as the Red Devils, heading into ten games into the new season, find themselves nine points adrift of their city rivals and all round have been a topic of some interesting conversations and not of the good kind.

The Red Devils have won exactly just half of the matches they've played this season, and their performance hasn't been to everyone's liking considering they're in their third season under Jose Mourinho.

However, even though they haven't been the vintage Manchester United that dominated English football in the past, Mourinho's men have displayed an ability to get things done especially when the chips were down.

Last night United put their uncanny will to win on show for the world as they produced an upset in inflicting a first defeat upon Italian champions Juventus away from home.

Heading Into Sunday, this provides much needed confidence and belief for United as for only the second time this season they've managed to win three games in a row.

Confidence and belief is exactly what they need most right now heading into their showdown against city rivals and reigning champions Manchester City as they aim to reel in the Cityzens with a win at the Etihad.

With their win at Juventus, United have made a comeback from losing positions in four of their last six matches and will be no strangers to their underdog tag as they yet against aim to topple the defending champions on their own patch.

Last season United were the only team to walk away with three points from the Etihad. United had been 2-0 down by the break but even against those insurmountable odds rallied back with a fiery performance to triumph 3-2.

Playing a key role in that come back, as he has in their most recent ones, is Paul Pogba who on the day completed a brace as United delayed City's title celebrations.

The Frenchman has been a driving force in their recent slate of comebacks as he's given his best performances when his team have had their backs against the wall. 

Undoubtedly United will look to him for inspiration to bring them back into the title picture with a win over their neighbours.

Doing that though is harder said than done, especially for United as even with their ability to rally in the second half, they could find themselves in trouble if they let City build up too big a lead.

Manchester City usually begin games at a fast pace, and if allowed to do as they please can run rampant which could make them unplayable when they are in the mood. Not to mention they can also finish games with a flurry like their cross town rivals have managed over the last few weeks.

This should give United pause for thought against their tendency to be sluggish in the opening exchanges. As great as their powers of recovery may be if City aren't contained in the first half even United's ability to fight back may not be enough to get the job done on the day.