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Manchester City midfielder James Milner anticipates Manchester United reaction from 6-1 derby defeat in FA Cup clash
Roberto Mancini's men thrashed Sir Alex Ferguson's side at Old Trafford when last they met and the England international believes that the Red Devils will be desperate for revenge
5 Jan 2012 07:43:00
By George Ankers
Manchester City midfielder James Milner is expecting rivals Manchester United to be desperate for revenge when the two sides meet in the FA Cup on Sunday.
City dismantled their neighbours on their own turf with a 6-1 Premier League humbling at Old Trafford in October, and the England international believes that Sir Alex Ferguson’s men will have had the stronger reaction to that game.
“That will have hurt them bad,” Milner said to The Daily Mirror. “Everyone, from the players to the management, will be more than up for it.
“As much enjoyment as we got from it, they probably felt three times as much pain.
“We have got to be aware of that. It’s down to us to put another good performance and build on our [3-0] win over Liverpool [on Tuesday].”
The Citizens’ victory over Kenny Dalglish’s side, coupled with United’s shock 3-0 reverse at the hands of Newcastle on Wednesday, saw them re-establish a three-point lead over their cross-city rivals at the top of the Premier League.
“It was important that we got that result to go into the cup game,” Milner continued.
“We want to defend our title. It’s nice to be able to say that, but there is no tougher game than against Manchester United.
“After the last time we played them, we know they are going to fly out the traps. They will want to get one over us.
“We need to make sure we match that determination and will to win that they will give. Hopefully we can then go and play our football.”
The former Aston Villa man does not feel that City should let themselves focus too much on trying to strike a psychological blow, however.
“We have got to be single-minded,” he added, “That’s what we have done all year.
“There are a lot of good teams pushing to finish at the top of the league. We will just do what we have done all year and concentrate on our own football.
“We want to beat United in both competitions and we will be trying as hard as we can in every single game.
“If we can win, maybe it will have a wider significance. But they have won so many titles over the last 20 years and you don’t do that by being weak mentally and letting a defeat put you off the rest of the season.
“It won’t make too much difference in the title race.”
The title contenders will face off at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
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City dismantled their neighbours on their own turf with a 6-1 Premier League humbling at Old Trafford in October, and the England international believes that Sir Alex Ferguson’s men will have had the stronger reaction to that game.
“That will have hurt them bad,” Milner said to The Daily Mirror. “Everyone, from the players to the management, will be more than up for it.
“As much enjoyment as we got from it, they probably felt three times as much pain.
“We have got to be aware of that. It’s down to us to put another good performance and build on our [3-0] win over Liverpool [on Tuesday].”
The Citizens’ victory over Kenny Dalglish’s side, coupled with United’s shock 3-0 reverse at the hands of Newcastle on Wednesday, saw them re-establish a three-point lead over their cross-city rivals at the top of the Premier League.
“It was important that we got that result to go into the cup game,” Milner continued.
“We want to defend our title. It’s nice to be able to say that, but there is no tougher game than against Manchester United.
“After the last time we played them, we know they are going to fly out the traps. They will want to get one over us.
“We need to make sure we match that determination and will to win that they will give. Hopefully we can then go and play our football.”
The former Aston Villa man does not feel that City should let themselves focus too much on trying to strike a psychological blow, however.
“We have got to be single-minded,” he added, “That’s what we have done all year.
“There are a lot of good teams pushing to finish at the top of the league. We will just do what we have done all year and concentrate on our own football.
“We want to beat United in both competitions and we will be trying as hard as we can in every single game.
“If we can win, maybe it will have a wider significance. But they have won so many titles over the last 20 years and you don’t do that by being weak mentally and letting a defeat put you off the rest of the season.
“It won’t make too much difference in the title race.”
The title contenders will face off at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
How do you stay up to date with football when on the move? With http://m.goal.com – your best source for mobile coverage of the beautiful game.
| Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
|
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