Match of the Season

The stage is set for the biggest match of the Premier League season so far. The red and blue halves of Manchester will face each other tonight in a confrontation that will have a huge impact on who wins the title this year.

The match was always going to be a big occasion, but its taken on a new significance since Man United's unexpected and uncharacteristic 4-4 draw with Everton last Sunday; a result that let City move back to just three points behind United, and gave the Sky Blues renewed hope that they could still be crowned champions for the first time since 1968.

Pundits and journalists are calling this the biggest game in the Premier League's history, and although I don't agree with that (Personally I think Man United and Arsenal have probably had the biggest matches), no football fan can deny the excitement and anticipation that has been building throughout the last week.

Whatever happens, its sure to be interesting. As well as the football, I'm looking forward to seeing what video montages Sky Sports have come up with. I know its bound to be something suitably epic that expresses the gravity and importance of the match; my money's on some kind of gladiator theme (the Roman kind, not the John Fashanu "Awooga"/rubbish Sky revival version). I'm also waiting to see whether Gary Neville will better his 'goalgasm' from last week's Chelsea-Barcelona match if United manage to get a killer winning goal.

The game itself is a tough one to call; City are in great form, and have scored 12 goals in their last three matches since losing 1-0 to Arsenal on 8 April. Man United's defence has been questioned after that draw with Everton, and everything will rest on whether it can hold up against the strike partnership of Sergio Aguero, a striker in top form who has had a blinding first season in the Premier League, and Carlos Tevez, who has come back from exile and gone straight back to being an integral part of the team.

Despite City's firepower however, I have a sneaking suspicion that Man United will come away with a result. United don't need to win, whereas City do. A draw would be good for United, keeping them three points clear, with only two games to go.

Manchester United have all the experience of being in this position at the end of the season, I've seen them hold off rivals when it matters for the last 20 years; its what United do. I won't be surprised at all to see Fergie smiling at the end of 90 minutes.