When Pep Guardiola signed a contract with Manchester City, he couldn’t have, in his wildest of dreams, thought of playing with them on Thursday Nights. However, as the current form of Manchester City suggests, Manuel Pellegrini could inadvertently hand his successor a “gift” of playing in the Europa League.
While there is nobody denying the fact that the Citizens are in a much better place in Europe this season, it is their form in the Premier League which is definitely below par.
In fact, the last time Manchester City defeated a team which currently resides in the top-8 of the Premier League was last year. Since then, while they have been seeing aside the minnows, the Citizens haven’t been able to prove their mettle against the top sides
Let’s take a look at the remaining set of fixtures for both teams to decide who is in a better place to finish in the top 4 …
Manchester United
Since the announcement of Manchester City regarding Pep Guardiola as the next manager, the majority of the Manchester United fanbase believes that the appointment of Jose Mourinho at the Old Trafford is crucial to redress the balance of power in Manchester.
However, while van Gaal will stay or leave is an argument for another day, he could still earn huge respect in the hearts of Manchester United faithful if he is able to do one thing: edging Manchester City away to finish in the top 4.
Looking at the remaining fixtures of the Red devils and they fail to paint a gloomy look. Yes, they will face a daunting opposition in West Ham, but the remaining two fixtures against Norwich and Bournemouth – both at home, should be an easy job for the Red Devils.
Also, if you take a look at the remaining fixtures of Manchester City, the Red Devils might need 7-points out of the possible 9 to earn their place among the Premier League elite.
Manchester City
When Manchester City won the League in 2013/14 Season, they won it by coming from behind to deprive Liverpool of the Premier League title. However, sadly for the Manchester City fans, their neighbors could inflict the same misery on them this season.
Although they’re 4-points ahead of Manchester United for now – having played 1 game more, their remaining two fixtures in the League comes against tough opponents.
They will face a resilient Arsenal side this weekend before traveling to the Liberty Stadium on the final day of this season. And looking at their form, which fails to inject any sort of optimism, both these fixtures could dent their aspirations of a top-4 finish.
Conclusion
As much as Manchester United fans hate to admit it, Louis Van Gaal is now looking plastered to his position as Manchester United manager for at least one more season. And having taken a look at the remaining fixtures of the top-4 aspirants, it is the side from the red part of Manchester which is looking more likely to end this season with a guarantee of playing in the Champions League in the next one.
