This is it, you know. This is it. Probably one of the most important games Manchester United is going to be involved in this season. With our on-and-off form this season coupled with the financial turmoil brought on by the messengers of doom (the Glazers), the club is at a crossroads. From here we can take the path to redemption or the one that leads us to destruction. Okay that is a little too dramatic. But you know what I mean don’t you?

A semi-final of any tournament is going to be a massive game. A derby clash with those smug blue-noses is also a huge fixture. When the two events happen together, it becomes monumental. Add to the whole mixture the Carlos Tevez drama, the new-manager-optimism syndrome sweeping through the blue half of Manchester, the contrasting financial situations of the clubs and you got yourself a real dish to savour. The last time these two teams met a real blockbuster was served. And if the latest two-legged battle happens to be equally breathtaking, I will not be surprised.

The first leg takes place tonight at the City of Manchester Stadium followed by the second one at the Theatre of Dreams on the 27th. Playing the second leg at home could turn out to be a boon for us, but only if we give a good account of ourselves tonight. Whether we give a good account of ourselves tonight depends largely on Sir Alex’ team selection and be rest assured that if we are to get away from the Wastelands with even a draw, we would need to field our strongest possible XI. Playing the likes of Welbeck and Gibson could turn out to be a recipe for disaster. So Sir Alex, if you are listening, please do not pull another fast one on us.

Irrespective of the team being picked, the strategy will almost undoubtedly revolve around a 4-5-1. A packed midfield is an inevitability, considering the fact that we seem to be afraid of attacking most teams on our away fixtures. Somewhere down the line, Sir Alex dumped the attacking ethos of the club into the trash and adopted the boring Italian way of grinding out results all in the name of tactics. Since then the mantra has always been not to concede rather than to score. Expect more of the same. Wayne Rooney will resume his rather frustrating furrow as a lone striker and will hardly get any chances to score. Anderson will get a shoo-in after an impressive little cameo against Burnley and will be partnered with Darren Fletcher and Michael Carrick in all eventuality. Antonio Valencia will continue his vigil down the right wing with Park Ji Sung on the left in order to counter the threat posed by Shawn Wright Phillips. The defence is a little more difficult to predict. Nemanja Vidic is expected to make a comeback and will likely (and hopefully) partner Evans in the centre. Evra’s inclusion is a no-brainer with Rafael expected to be the starting right-back. VDS will continue from where he left off against Burnley. Rio Ferdinand is making great progress according to the Gaffer but can’t make it to today’s squad. Berbatov suffered from a dead leg on Saturday and is a doubt. Owen Hargreaves and John O’Shea are long term absentees.

For Manchester City, Roque Santa Cruz has been ruled out for a month and Adebayor is on compassionate leave after his harrowing experiences with the Togo national team. Lescott is also injured with Toure away on African Cup of Nations duty. Carlos Tevez is certain to start and seems to be all pumped up before the game.

The stakes could not be higher. The motivation is all there for the players to perform and for Sir Alex to prove his detractors wrong. All they have got to do is to be brave and go out to play football. No more soft, defensive displays please. This time let the over-confident Shitty-zens have it.

Kick Off: 2000 GMT

Prediction: 1-1

Tagged as: 11Reds Preview, Manchester City