Kompany ready for battle of big guns

MANCHESTER City captain Vincent Kompany is ready for the talking to stop and the action to start in tonight’s blockbusting derby against Manchester United.

Kompany admits there has been no avoiding the hype surrounding the eagerly–anticipated clash of the neighbouring heavyweights, which could settle the destiny of the Barclays Premier League title.

City head into the game at the Etihad Stadium knowing victory would take them back to the top of the table on goal difference with just two games remaining.

Many have billed the game as the biggest in Premier League history and Kompany is just anxious to get it under way.

The Belgium defender said: “I can’t remember meeting anyone in the last three or four days who didn’t talk to me about it.

“But I go back to the reasons why I love football so much and this is one of the reasons.”


CITY v UNITED: KEY BATTLES

CARLOS TEVEZ v RIO FERDINAND

After his turbulent season, Tevez is a force for good at City once more and his partnership with fellow Argentina star Sergio Aguero has sparked the Blues into life.

Ferdinand has enjoyed an outstanding season but every so often worrying cracks appear in the United defence. He must stop City blasting them open.

YAYA TOURE v MICHAEL CARRICK

Stopping Toure could be as big a job as actually creating openings for United middle man Carrick. The giant Ivorian can be a devastating midfield presence and if he gets into his stride, he can be impossible to hold back. Carrick must subdue his opponent, otherwise United are in trouble.

VINCENT KOMPANY v WAYNE ROONEY

Kompany lasted a matter of minutes in January's FA Cup tie before he was sent off for lunging in on Nani. The centre–half cannot afford to repeat that mistake because Rooney is currently in his best form of the season and requires only one more goal to match his highest individual haul.



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