2. The Champions League
The Champions League has proved to be the toughest of tests for Manchester City since they entered the elite European club competition, however this may be seen as a blessing in disguise for the boys in blue. By finishing in 4th place in their group and avoiding being sieved into the Europa League where they would still have to compete twice a week, City now have the advantage over United as the Reds managed to secure qualification to the final 16 of the Champions League. Now one may ask, how is being knocked out of such a grand contest as the Champions League an advantage? Well, when Manchester United have to face Real Madrid twice in two weeks, with a tough trip to West Ham following the second leg, whereas City have Championship side Leeds, and then a week to prepare for the visit of Chelsea, I know who I'd rather be playing for, and it is the latter. Fatigue is another issue which will worry United fans and players alike: when in the latter stages of the Champions League, the strongest side you can possibly field should be out there, due to the amount of quality sides in the competition, and with United's eyes also being on reclaiming the Premier League, they will want to field a strong side in this competition also. With players facing top quality opposition twice a week, injuries and fatigue are inevitable, and whilst we should never purposefully wish injury upon an opposition player, City fans will be hoping fatigue takes its toll on players such as Robin Van Persie and Wayne Rooney.