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The script for this match was written by the dramatic, high energy confrontation between these now bitter local rivals that took place last tuesday in the 1st leg & this looks set to be an absolute cracker again.

The first leg of the Carling Cup Semi Final between Manchester City & Manchester United was a fantastic, intense battle that could have gone either, probably should have been a draw on balance but ultimately went the way of City with a 2-1 win on the night.

That 2-1 scoreline sets everything up perfectly because Manchester United know they have to score & they have to win while Man City know they will have to be positive as well so this could well be one of the games of the season.

A place in Wembley final is at stake here but the given the animosity that now stand between these two clubs means there is so much more at stake than simply the chance to win a trophy.

The rivalry between United & City has always been relatively civilised & calm but that has now changed given the extreme wealth that Manchester City now possess & the threat they now carry to United and that makes this game an opportunity for both clubs to make statement to the footballing world.

Manchester United obviously want to win this for their own gain but the chance to claim a victory over Manchester City & to blunt their progress is something that Alex Ferguson will not want to miss so you can guarantee that Manchester United will be fully up for this one.

The fact United need to chase a win is not a hindrance because that will mean Manchester United have to start the game with high tempo, high energy approach & that is when they are their best with Wayne Rooney leading the way.

Manchester United dominated large parts of the game in the 1st leg & their performance should give them the confidence & knowledge that they can do the same again in this match but this time place more emphasis on directly attacking Manchester City.

A big factor for this match will be the return of Rio Ferdinand to the Manchester United defence & that should make them more solid against the attacking threat of City.

Manchester City want to win this match because they want the opportunity to win a trophy but more importantly to make a statement of intent & show that their extreme wealth will make them successful & ultimately over power Manchester United.

Manchester City will be pleased they have a 2-1 advantage to take to Old Trafford but having lead from the 1st leg can sometimes prove dangerous because teams mentally relax believing the job is done & so Roberto Mancini will have to make sure the City players are organised & focused ahead of this one.

Carlos Tevez was like a man possessed in the 1st leg & he made his point loud & clear with the two goals he scored & the subsequent celebrations and we certainly expect him to be totally fired up for this return to Old Trafford.

The key for Manchester City will be their defensive organisation & strength because Manchester United will put them under great pressure from the start and how they perform defensively could well decide this match & tie.

The first leg was an absolutely cracking match that had great drama, tension, excitement & quality and this 2nd leg looks set to be even better with both Manchester United & Manchester City fulled charged to go for each other so anything is possible but Manchester United have to win this in 90 minutes & they look a solid bet to do so.

Betting Recommendations:

Outright Match Result: Manchester United to win

Correct Score options: Manchester United to win 2-1/3-1

First Goalscorer each way/Player to score anytime: Rooney/Berbatov/Valencia

Scorecast options: Rooney/Berbatov/Valencia score 1st & Manchester United win 2-1/3-1

Double Result: Manchester United Half Time & Full Time