But after overturning that deficit and taking an eight-point lead with only six matches remaining, a three-point lead can seem like a major disappointment. What’s perhaps most disappointing is that United held that advantage going into a fairly favorable pre-derby stretch. But instead of notching three straight wins to all but wrap up the title, United decided to make the task a little harder. As a result, there will be many a United supporter whose nerves will be shot well before Monday night’s kick-off.

United are 11-1 to win 2-1 on Monday night, with Rooney 7/1 to score the opening goal. Back Rooney to lead United to a (near) title-clinching win on Ladbrokes with a free £50 bet.

Of course, there might not be any nerves left at this point anyway, given how much of an emotional ride this season has been. Just over the last few months, there have been numerous tense finishes, several key wins, the Europa League exit and recent results against Wigan and Everton, and the multiple momentum shifts that have set up a gripping climax in the title race.

Derby days are always emotional for the obvious reasons, but there’s more emotion in this derby than any in some time because there’s so much at stake. And with so much time to sit and stew about the draw against Everton, the title race‘s closeness, and the possible outcomes Monday night and in the title race, there’s no wonder why nerves will be frayed before the kickoff, much less during the match itself.

Fortunately, you can guarantee that the players won’t share the same mindsets that fans might. Sure, there are naturally nerves and thoughts about the occasion and situation, but where the fan is often unable to keep such emotions and thoughts in check, players are able to switch off when it’s time to perform, and they can far more easily put poor results behind them.

That’s part of why United supporters should feel at least a little less tense ahead of the match. United are no strangers to big games, to rising to the occasion in a tense situation, to responding to adversity or poor results. This Premier League campaign has been a fine example. From dealing with numerous injuries, most notably to captain and defensive rock Nemanja Vidic, to the comeback at Chelsea, to responding to the Blackburn and Newcastle defeats by launching the long unbeaten run that put them in the driver’s seat, United have kept their cool and stood tall every time they were prematurely written off.

So, we should expect United to step up on Monday night, and if they perform as we have seen them do time and again in big games, then they’ll come away still in full control of their destiny. Sure, things are closer than they should be. The players couldn’t have been pleased about not closing things out against Everton, and you can be 1000% sure that Fergie wasn’t. But instead of agonizing over what wasn’t done, Fergie, as always, is looking forward, focusing on a strong, positive response, and the players will be focused on delivering.

United were in a similar position last season, holding a three-point lead with three matches remaining, with title rivals Chelsea coming to town. They delivered then, producing a 2-1 win to move within a point of the title, a point picked up in the next round at Blackburn. There are differences this season, as City hold a six-goal edge in goal difference and host this potentially decisive clash, but the mission’s still as simple. United would still be in pole position with a draw, but the door could remain open into the season’s final day. But with a win, United would again be able to clinch the title with at least a point in round 37.

So, you can expect United to go in search of a win. And why not? Yes, City have been an excellent league mark at the Etihad this season, winning 15 in a row before a draw against Sunderland, and picking up 49 of 51 possible points at home. As a result, it’s no surprise that Ladbrokes have City as 6/5 favorites to win. But United have already notched a win there, and they own the league’s best away record by a decent margin, with a dozen wins, three draws, and only two defeats in 17 matches.

It’s entirely possible that United could lose. Defeat is possible in any match. Defeat in this one would hand the initiative to City, but even still, United wouldn’t throw in the towel, knowing the title tide could quickly turn again, as City’s penultimate match is away to Newcastle, who are presently in the league‘s best run of form. But knowing they want to control their own destiny, and their history in these situations, there’s every reason to be confident about United picking up a pivotal positive result in enemy territory, and the 9/4 on United to win could end up looking like a real steal.

Scott the Red: Were you happy with your team’s performance last season?

Damian Dugdale: We had three managers last season (counting caretakers), four if you count O’Neill managing pre-season, so to finish ninth wasn’t as bad as it could have been, so overall, the performance wasn’t bad – after all, the table doesn’t lie.

STR: There were times when Villa looked as though they were going to have to fight the relegation battle. Who were your most important players in carrying you through?

DD: The most important player for us last season was Darren Bent. Without his goals we could have struggled and he didn’t just tap them in – he was superb for us since the day he signed.

STR: He was a great signing. How has Villa done in the transfer market this summer?

DD: Two in so far; Shay Given and Charles N’Zogbia. I don’t think anyone can complain with Given and I think some were surprised he wasn’t starting for Manchester City, although maybe not that many and mostly their Irish support, but he is a fantastic keeper. As for N’Zogbia – I want to see more of him before passing judgement, but all things point to someone that can keep hold of the ball and create chances and with someone like Darren Bent on the receiving end, he doesn’t need to create as many as he would with say Gabby Agbonlahor up front, who needs two or three times as many. Darren Bent could make me look a very good winger.

STR: You’ve lost quite a few big players over the last few seasons. Which player were you more upset to see go?

DD: I’ve got to say Downing. You’ll soon see that while Young and Milner will work and work, when you compare to the likes of players they are going to be playing with, they are not at the level you want at the level the likes of you are playing. Downing on the other hand did have a bit of composure about him and Liverpool is about his level right now. I couldn’t see him playing Champions League football unless he helped take the club there.

STR: With the new players coming in, as well as those who have left, what are your aspirations for this season?

DD: I’d like to see the manager create a stable side, not frightened to go for it. If he can create that stability, we don’t sign any new players (I’m all for him having to prove himself first), then add a player next season (and replace any that leave) – and he can do the same or move forward, I’ll be very happy. I don’t think you can just look at seasons any more and not for a club like us. We need to be looking three to five seasons because if we look to one, we are only going to fail. Horrible way to think of your football club, but it is the real world – ruined by the blue shite in London first and the blue shite in Manchester.

STR: Where do you think you will finish this season?

DD: Head says 9th, heart says 7th. No middle ground with me, so I’m going with ninth. But anything can happen in football so I’m not placing any bets.

STR: It’s even more predictable with a new manager. Was Houllier a mistake?

DD: No. He just never got the time. You cant give the job to someone who has won as much as he has and say it was a mistake after only a few months, no pre-season or summer transfer window. He just had one to
many kebabs.

STR: How do you rate McLeish’s ability to take the club forward?

DD: Honestly, not very high. He relegated the blue shite of Birmingham twice. For me, I hear alarm bells every time I’m asked this question, but I’m going deaf and living in hope. Call me an unrealistic optimist, but I’ll give him a chance, I’m just not sure many others will if we lose three in a row, unless those three are Manchester United, blue shite from London and Arsenal.

STR: Which two current United players would you most want at your club? Why?

DD: I’m not going to pick the obvious, so I’ll say Smalling and Vidic. Two very very good central defenders and I fancy Smalling is only going to get better. He likes a beer two which isn’t a bad thing.

STR: Finally, who will finish in the top 4? Who will go down?

DD: Top four will be the same as last year. Red scouse have lost the plot and I cant see them getting back in this season and after all the money they’ve spent this summer it will be the King is dead, long live the King next season.

STR: Anything else you want to tell us?

DD: Did I go over the top with the blue shite references? No. Okay, good. Have a good season. You probably will.

STR: Cheers mate, you too.

————-
Follow Damian on Twitter

We kick off with Arseblog, arguably the best club blog on the internet, to talk about Arsenal’s incredible ability to bottle it year on year, whether Arsene Wenger is the right man to turn things around and whether Fabregas should stay.

Scott the Red: Were you happy with your team’s performance last season?

Arseblogger: Until the Carling Cup final, yes. We were motoring along in four competitions, should have won a trophy, but conspired to fuck it up, and the rest, in spectacular fashion. Post Carling Cup was probably the worst run of form ever under Arsene Wenger, the team bottled it, big time.

STR: Why does it keep happening? Is it an issue with mental toughness or something else?

Arseblogger: Yes, mental weakness, lack of character, but most of all lack of quality and experience.

STR: Despite the bottling, who do you think were your most important players over the course of the season?

Arseblogger: Robin van Persie, for the goals he scored, and Jack Wilshere. His emergence was one of the bright spots of the season.

STR: How do you rate Arsenal’s activity in the transfer market?

Arseblogger: Poorly (at this stage). Only Gervinho and Jenkinson in, the Cesc/Nasri sagas ongoing, no centre-half, much of the deadwood still there, and the season kicks off in less than a week. Unsatisfactory, we’re weaker, not stronger.

STR: Bearing this is mind, what are your aspirations for this season?

Arseblogger: Top four finish, maybe a cup.

STR: Where do you think you’ll actually finish?

Arseblogger: 4th.

STR: Despite not winning anything for years, there’s been “Arsene knows” and “In Arsene we trust” stuff. Is that still going as strong? How do you rate your manager’s ability to take the club forward?

Arseblogger: I think doubts over his ability to do that are increasing. It’s no longer a vocal minority who are openly questioning him and his methods. His decision making, especially his reluctance to strengthen the squad when it so obviously needs it, is almost impossible to understand. Of course we have till the 31st to sign players – but with August such a crucial month (Liverpool, United and CL qualifiers), and fans as frustrated as they’ve ever been under Wenger, I just can’t find a good reason why we haven’t added more to the squad already

STR: If not the manager then, which player do you think will most important in helping you achieve a top four finish?

Robin van Persie.

STR: Not too long ago, Fabregas probably would have been the name given in answer to this question. Do you want him to stay at the club knowing that he is desperate to join Barcelona? Do you think he should retain the captaincy?

Arseblogger: I want him to stay because he’s our best player and one of the best midfielders in the world. I completely understand why he wants to go, however. Captaincy, pffff, not fussed.

STR: Which two current United players would you most want at your club?

Arseblogger: Vidic, because he’s a great centre-half. Rooney, a fantastic forward, areas we need more strength.

STR: Finally, who will finish in the top 4? Who will go down?

Arseblogger: United, Chelsea, Man City, Arsenal (I hope).

STR: And is there anything else you wish to tell us?

Arseblogger: John Terry is a fucking cunt.

STR: You know how to win us over! Cheers.

———
Follow Arseblogger on Twitter

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Picklive is traditional fantasy football on acid, games last just five minutes and you play in real-time during televised matches. Simply pick the three players who you believe will influence the action the most and watch them accumulate points for everything they do; from passes and tackles, to goals and assists. The three teams with the most points during each five minute game will bag a share of the cashpot.

The game is transforming the way that fans across the country watch live football, and by clicking here you can become part of the revolution for free. And if you do so, then take head from this friendly insider’s advice from Picklive:

Top United Pick

Nani

Picking wingers can be an extremely risky strategy on Picklive, as they invariably drift in and out of games. However with Nani, it is definitely a gamble worth taking. It is nigh on impossible for defenders to keep him out of the action, and his direct approach and insatiable work rate will see him earning points for shooting as often he will for winning corners. Even in defeat at Molyneaux he earned a whopping 130 points, and would have top scored for United without his goal.

Top Chelsea Pick

David Luiz

Chelsea’s less controversial new signing’s debut in blue, was also his Picklive debut. He looked assured all evening in the clash with Fulham and in the process amassed 101 points over the whole game – a rare feat indeed for a defender. By completing 63 passes and 27 interceptions he showed himself not to be one shying away from the thick of the action, and this quality will be crucial against the league leaders.

One to Avoid

Ramires

The lightweight midfielder has come under fire this season, with many questioning the wisdom of his acquisition. It may be that we are yet to see the best of him on these shores, however against the battle hardened Scholes and Fletcher, he will do little to confound his critics tonight. What makes him an even less worthwhile choice his poor timing of the tackle; in the blues FA Cup defeat against Everton he lost 19 points through ill discipline.

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