We are now approaching 2011 and the midpoint of the Premier League season. The season to date has seen some very interesting results, but where is the Premier League title going to end up? Man Utd's sheer resilience and ability to not be beaten sees them at the peak of what I consider to be the most hotly contested Premier League title since it began. The blue half of Manchester will be buoyed by the fact that they are sitting on level points with United; despite United having two games in hand at this stage. So, if we are to believe the words of Man City's First Team Coach Brian Kidd then the title is Man Utd's to be lost, but where could it be lost?
United have gone about their business almost quietly this season. Whilst the focus of many articles in the media and blogs alike has focused on Chelsea's faltering form, or Arsenal's evident inconsistency or on the crisis at Liverpool, few have focused on the fact that Man Utd remain unbeaten going into 2011!
Old Trafford has been a fortress for United this season, seeing them take 28 points from a possible 30. They are also the Premier League's highest goal scorers at home with 27 goals. Home form in my opinion will never be in doubt for United. Having a 60,000+ capacity each week creates an intimidating atmosphere for any visiting team; on which United have thrived on. In comparison, the City of Manchester Stadium has seen City lose on two occasions and draw three; a points return of 18.
Away form is a very different story for United. Granted, they have not lost on their travels, but have drawn on seven occasions this season from a total of eight matches away. It is particularly hard to pinpoint where United have gone wrong, if such a word can be used. It is considerably easier however to see how their city counterparts are level on points with them. City boast an outstanding away record this term. They are the highest goal scorers away from home, have conceded the least amount of goals and as a result recorded more away wins than anybody else in the Premier League.
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Man City have had not struggled on their travels. Photo: Getty. |
So what could 2011 bring for each of Manchester's high flyers? Alex Ferguson today has admitted that no new signings are at all likely to arrive at Old Trafford during the January transfer window; something we know will not be the case over at Eastlands! If rumours are to be believed Man City have already managed to spend a reported £27m on the very highly rated Edin Dzeko from Wolfsburg; and no doubt the spending will continue.
Certainly the old saying "if it aint broke don't fix it" comes to mind with Man Utd. They have a sturdy back four who are proving hard to break down. With so many resources in midfield the blend of flair and experience is working. Despite Wayne Rooney's torrid season (in my opinion), Dimitar Berbatov has been in simply sensational form and will continue to score goals.
Man City have a wealth of resources available. If we see the usual amount of action in the transfer market they will be able to put out two different starting eleven's who can both compete at the top! With the Carlos Tevez saga appearing to be sorted he should continue his sparkling form.
If a prediction has to be made, I would suggest that Man Utd will improve away from home and take the Premier League title. They will undoubtedly be closely followed by an in-form Man City side who have demonstrated that the financial clout they possess in starting to pay dividends. The team are playing well together and their is not one side in the Premier League who will want to play Man City at the moment. We are certainly in for an intriguing title race, but for now we will see what happens in the January transfer window to make a detailed assessment!
DH
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