The first installment of this season’s Manchester Derby takes place on Wednesday at Eastlands. Manchester United are coming off of a dramatic win at home where South Korean midfielder Ji-Sung Park bagged a brace with the winner coming very late on. It was one of those weekends in the Premier League where not only did United win, albeit not very convincingly, but also a weekend where teams either side of the Red Devils lost.

United will of course only be worried about their results, but Chelsea’s 0-2 loss at Anfield and Arsenal’s 1-0 loss to Newcastle seems to have implemented a ‘top 2′ in the league. As far as the win v Wolves, United were far from their cohesive best as what was very close to a B squad experienced a myriad of problems in attempting to dispose of Wolves. Bebe was quite poor in midfield while Gabriel Obertan and John O’Shea, although decent on the day, failed to provide any real spark of creativity for United.

Manchester City are too coming off of a win. City traveled to the Hawthorns where they disposed of a West Brom side who’ve commited to playing football this season to the tune of some fine results. Summer signing Mario Balotelli proved a good buy when he too scored a brace for the Citizens. Balotelli also saw red in the game and will now serve a three match ban.

With Carlos Tevez back in the lineup, City will always pose a threat in attack. David Silva has been in scintillating form for the past month and with Balotelli now out, the possibility of a start for winger Adam Johnson could prove daunting for United’s defense.

As City continue to ambitiously spend an inordinate amount of money on new blood, each installment of the Manchester Derby grows in stature and anticipation. And just as City’s attack starts to congeal, so too does United’s defense began to instill that bit of confidence into the rest of the team.

On Wednesday, all eyes will be on Eastlands as the Manchester Derby is sure to thrill. So who takes the three points and the crown of Manchester’s finest?

Jermain Defoe puts Tottenham ahead

With only three weeks to go until the final Saturday of competition the key races in the Premier League are heating up. Two key derbys, one in Manchester and the other in London, threw the races for first and fourth place back into uncertainty as Burnley and Hull City seem unwilling to stay in the league for next season. The Manchester United, Manchester City match-up was already covered but read on for a recap of the rest of the action in the Premier League.

Tottenham Hotspur 2, Chelsea 1

When Tottenham fell to lowly Portsmouth in the FA Cup semi-finals last Sunday the season looked all but over for Harry Redknap’s side. Spurs faced Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United in their next three matches and were already behind Manchester City in the race for fourth. But Spurs easily dispatched Arsenal in midweek and were able to dominate a Chelsea side who’s inconsistency has been an issue all season.

John Terry was unable to get away with a handball in the penalty area in the 15th minute. Jermaine Defoe sent Peter Cech the wrong way to give Tottenham the early lead. Chelsea were unable to mount sustained offensive pressure or mantain posession and the Blues defense broke again in the 44th minute as Garreth Bale embarrassed Paulo Ferreira to rifle a shot to the lower-lefthand corner.

Didier Drogba pulled a groin muscle as he stood in the center circle waiting to kick off the second half. The injury came seconds after Carlos Ancelloti had used his final two substitutions. The Ivorian striker had to stay on despite playing in obvious pain. John Terry was sent off in the 67th minute for his second yellow card in three minutes and there was no feasible way back into the match for Chelsea. Even Frank Lampard’s 18th goal of the season in the second minute of added time served as nothing more than a consolation.

Tottenham have pulled off their second massive upset in as many games and will look to make it three for three next week at Old Trafford. Chelsea need to find their defensive form and some consistency up top if they are to hold off Manchester United.

Birmingham 0, Hull City 0

This match-up featured a Birmingham club with nothing to play for and a Hull City side with everything at stake. The Tigers, sitting four points from safety and fresh off a 4-1 embarrassment at the hands of Burnley, desperately needed a result in order to preserve any hope of Premier League play next season. A 0-0 draw is not the worst outcome for Ian Dowie’s men but victories need to start coming soon. Chances for either side were few and far between with Jimmy Bullard’s shot directly at Joe Hart the best of the bunch.

Dowie said it was a “display to be proud of” given Birmingham’s stellar home record this season but with games running out and a final-day fixture against Liverpool looming one has to wonder if the clock has run out on Hull City.

Sunderland 2, Burnley 1

Sunderland officially secured safety from relegation with a comfortable victory over a Burnley side who are anything but safe. Fraizer Campbell kicked off the scoring for Sunderland following a brilliant cross from Alan Hutton. Campbell then played provider with a headed cross to Darren Bent for his 24th goal of the season. Steve Thompson brought a goal back in the 82nd minute but Burnley was unable to equalize thus bringing their away record to 1-1-16 for the season. The news doesn’t get better for Brian Laws’ men as their remaining fixtures are Liverpool, away to Birmingham and Tottenham.

Stoke City 1, Bolton Wanderers 2

Bolton edged closer to safety with a surprising victory over Stoke City. Stoke took the early lead with a Dave Kitson goal in the 13th minute but it was Matthew Taylor who played savior for Bolton with a cracking free-kick in the 85th minute before scoring the late winner two minutes from time. Stoke nearly equalized in the dying minutes but Stoke Captain Abdoulaye Faye sent his close range shot over the bar to hand Bolton a vital three points. The Wanderers now sit in 14th place and seven points clear of danger.

Fulham 0, Wolverhampton Wanderers 0

Fulham seem to be focused soley on the Europa League at this point and could only manage a scoreless draw against Wolves at Craven Cottage. Bobby Zamora’s second-half shot came off the post in one of the only full-fleged chances of the afternoon. Wolves sit six points clear of Hull City and three points clear of West Ham United. Mick McCarthy’s side has a relativley easy run of remaining fixtures with Blackburn, Portsmouth and Sunderland left on their docket. Fulham’s Europa League tie against Hamburg looks very much in doubt because of the European airspace lock down.

Blackburn Rovers 2, Everton 3

Tim Cahill continued his glorious return to form with a late winner against Blackburn. The victory keeps The Toffees’ slim Europa League hopes alive as they sit only a point behind Aston Villa and two behind Liverpool. Mikel Arteta opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the fourth minute but the contest came alive when Steven Nzonzi equalized with a 30-yard shot past Tim Howard. Substitute Ayegbeni Yakubu put Everton back in front following Leighton Baines long throw. Blackburn edged even thanks to Jason Roberts’ strike. But it was Cahill’s goal in the 90th minute that secured a valuable three points for Everton.

The highly anticipated Manchester Derby took place Saturday with frustrating and mixed results. Both teams seemed satisfied to sit back and not risk over-committing attacking players while each team was still able to enjoy decent spells of possession, but minimal quality attempts on goal. Not that a reason was needed, it being a local derby and all, but the three points on offer were highly desired by both sides as they hoped to continue their respective pursuits. The match itself largely had that big game, boxing match feel one would expect to see with so much on the line.

Of course we all know the late drama that closed out the match when Paul Scholes headed home a Patrice Evra cross in stoppage time. Emphatic celebrations from United fans and heartbreak for City supporters. Such is football.

It was a match where neither team really deserved to win, but either team could have.

United went with their classic big match formation as Wayne Rooney found himself up front alone with wingers Valencia and Giggs (and Nani later in the second half) in support. City went unchanged with the formation that’s seen them score truck loads of goals recently – the attacking monster that is Tevez, Adebayor, Bellamy and Johnson, were mostly quiet.

In all the pre match hype, largely emanating from last September’s 4-3 classic, it was obvious both teams set up to not concede multiple goals – keep it tight, keep it close and close down opposition players quickly. 1-0 was always going to win the match. United’s creative players were overall a bit poor on the day, Rooney was frustrating and frustrated. In my opinion, he’s not 100% match fit. A fit Rooney would never be pulled off with 15+ minutes left in a derby. Giggs was mostly poor, miss hitting passes all day and Valencia was good, but is still unable to carry United when others around him aren’t at their best.

The football purists may question City boss Roberto Mancini’s decision to pull off the attacking winger Adam Johnson for the defensive minded Patrick Viera midway through the second half. However, as the 80th minute approached, both sides had used all three available substitutes, the pieces were set in the chess match that was to be the last portion of the match in hopes someone could snatch that all important goal that would likely win the game.

On the day, it just wasn’t to be, at least until stoppage time. The final ball for both sides is what was absent. Too many decent spells of possession and counter attacks fizzled out when the last ball was played, usually into the waiting arms of the keeper, or out for a goal kick.

There were some good individual performances from both sides that are worth a mention:

• Darren Fletcher for United has been one of their best players all year. Strong in midfield, willing to work his pants off and full of energy. All three attributes were on display Saturday.
• Gary Neville for United was solid in defense all afternoon. He did his job containing Craig Bellamy in a professional manner. Love him or hate him, he’s an asset when on form.
• Carlos Tevez for City is always a leader on the pitch. Maybe not at his sharpest in this big match, yet still valuable even when not scoring goals.
• Vincent Kompany for City did a top job dealing with Wayne Rooney before Rooney was pulled off. The Belgian defender won all the mini battles against Rooney yet lost the war.

The title race is without a doubt still on. United will rue their 0-0 draw with Blackburn last weekend and wonder what could have been. I think it’s safe to say, there are still some massive fixtures remaining in the Premier League that are sure to provide football fans with drama, passion and desire.

As for Manchester City, I still believe they’ll finish fourth. It’s going to be a tough scrap though. What I’m looking forward to over the next few weeks is how well mentally and physically Tottenham and City hold up as the rigors of the Premier League season take hold of both sets of players and attempt to suffocate them.

I for one won’t be missing a match.

It’s time for another edition of the Manchester Derby, and City must already be lamenting its bad luck.

With Emmanuel Adebayor suspended, Robinho and Roque Santa Cruz definitely out with injury and Carlos Tevez a serious doubt with a knee injury, the upstarts may be hurting for strike options in Sunday’s clash.

It seems there are nine other games on the schedule as well.

Here’s where you can see them on TV.

And now for the slate of games.

Burnley vs. Sunderland

After a start to the campaign that saw four matches against top-five teams last season, the Clarets entertain the Black Cats on Saturday.

Table watch: Sunderland is in seventh place on nine points, while Burnley is in 12th place on six points.

Striking options: Sunderland boss Steve Bruce faces a welcome problem on the weekend when he’ll decide which striker to trot out on Turf Moor.

“I didn’t consider Kenwyne (Jones) last weekend because of his long flight back,” Bruce told the Sunderland Echo. “I had Fraizer (Campbell) there, champing at the bit – I wanted to give him a chance to show what he can do – and Fraizer and Darren showed signs of developing an understanding and a partnership, both in training and in the match.

“We won 4-1 and now I have to decide whether to bring back Kenwyne or not. But that’s what I get paid for – management is all about making these kind of decisions.”

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Arsenal vs. Wigan

Arsenal will seek to start a climb up the table when it hosts the Latics this weekend.

Table watch: The Gunners are on six points, which is good for ninth. Wigan is also stuck on six points, but sitting in 11th on goal difference.

A Dutch treat?: Robin van Persie may be back for this match, according to manager Arsene Wegner.

“Robin van Persie is the most likely to come back (for Saturday),” Wegner told the team’s Web site. “Denilson looks to be out for a few weeks with a back problem.”

Reserve keeper Vito Mannone will also feature for Arsenal after manning the goal in the team’s mid-week win in the Champions League.

Formation prediction: It will be interesting to see if Wigan plays Hugo Rodallega alone up front in a 4-5-1, which will allow the Gunners plenty of time and space on the ball.

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Bolton Wanderers vs. Stoke City

Bolton will try to escape the bottom three with a home date with the Potters.

Table watch: Bolton is in 18th place on three points while Stoke City is in eighth place on seven points.

Sorensen ready: Stoke keeper Thomas Sorensen should be ready to go, according to The Sentinel.

They said it: “We now have the opportunity to go on a run. You can’t do that until you take that first step and we have done that now. It’s important that we follow it up with another good performance and hopefully another three points. The momentum that you are looking for will then exist and will help to change the season.” – Bolton manager Gary Megson, to the team’s Web site

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Hull City vs. Birmingham City

The Tigers will be looking to pick up three points at home this weekend against newboys Birmingham City.

Table watch: Both teams have four points with Birmingham City 15th and Hull City 17th on goal difference.

Bouncing back?: Both teams lost last week with Sunderland pasting Hull City, 4-1, and Aston Villa earning a 1-0 win in the Second City Derby.

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Aston Villa vs. Portsmouth

Villa will try to ride the wave of last week’s big win against struggling Pomepey at Villa Park.

Table watch: Villa is in sixth place on nine points while Portsmouth is still seeking its first point of the year.

Keeping the faith: “I’m very pleased with the caliber of players that have come in. It’s unbelievable considering we’ve spent no money. Peter Storrie and his staff have worked tirelessly to make it happen. We now have players in the squad who give us options and allow us to play different ways. We want a win at Villa but a point would be a good start.” – Pompey manager Paul Hart, to the team’s Web site.

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Everton vs. Blackburn

The Toffees will try to shake off a disappointing loss to Fulham when Blackburn comes calling.

Table watch: Everton has three points and is mired in 19th place. Rovers are on four points in 14th position.

Reinforcements at the back: Everton is closing in on a deal to sign free-agent Lucas Neill to help fill the holes in the injury-depleted Toffee defense, according to ESPN.

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West Ham vs. Liverpool

The Hammers hope to cool off Liverpool, winners of three straight in all competitions, on the weekend.

Table watch: West Ham is in 13th place on four points while the Reds are in fifth place on nine points.

Feeling good: “’Everyone knows we had a bad start, losing against Spurs and Villa, so we had to try and get the confidence back, try to change things. That’s what we’ve done by winning three games in a row, and now we’re looking forward to Saturday.”- Liverpool striker Dirk Kuyt, to the Daily Mail

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Manchester United vs. Manchester City

Two top three clubs square off in what could be the game of the weekend on Sunday.

Table watch: United and City are both on 12 points, with United sitting second over their neighbors on goal difference.

They said it, part one: “We played well against Arsenal, now we have to go to Old Trafford and show our credentials. Man City will be a force this season.” City’s Kolo Toure, to Sky Sports

They said it, part two: “It will be difficult (on Sunday) because (City) haven’t lost. But we are confident because we are Manchester United. You need to show that you are Manchester United. Over the years we have won a lot more than City and we need to make sure we do that again.” – United defender Patrice Evra, to The Independent

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Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. Fulham

Wolves hope to put some distance between themselves and the bottom three when Fulham visits on Sunday.

Table watch: Wolves are in 16th place on four points while Fulham is in 10th place on six points.

Welcome back, gang: “Jody (Craddock), Kevin (Foley), (Michael) Kightly and Sylvan (Ebanks-Blake) all could return for Sunday,” Wolves boss Mick McCarthy told Sky Sports.

Mid-week: Fulham rested several members of the normal first-choice side in Thursday’s 1-1 draw at CSKA Sofia.

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Chelsea vs. Tottenham

Spurs will try to pick up the pieces from a 3-1 loss to 10-man United last weekend as they make the short trip to Stamford Bridge.

Table watch: The Blues are in the top spot with a maximum 15 points. Spurs are in fourth with 12 points.

Fighting words?: “(Jermain) Defoe is on fire for club and country but our defenders will stop him. He is a great striker but our defense is one of the best in England. I don’t see why they can’t challenge for a place in the top four. They have big players and anything is possible but they will be behind Chelsea.” – Blues striker Nicolas Anelka

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