Man City vs Man Utd - 5 Key Battles

5. Joe Hart vs Robin van Persie

All eyes will be on Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart on Sunday with the England No.1 falling prone to a series of gaffes in recent weeks. The 26-year-old was at fault for Cardiff City's second goal in his side's shock 3-2 win last month after rushing off his line but failing to get the ball. And that followed another clanger against Scotland in a friendly, after Hart allowed James Morrison's shot to somehow squirm under his body and in. This run of inconsistent form has led to manager Manuel Pellegrini warning one more mistake could force him into dropping his first choice shot-stopper. And clearly, Hart is going to have to be at his peak against United, a team who will capitalize on any mistakes. Robin van Persie is likely going to be the biggest danger to Hart's clean sheet with the Dutchman scoring six goals in as many appearances for the Red Devils this season, and he will be looking to put Hart to the test at the weekend.
Contributor
Contributor

Joseph is an accredited football journalist and has interviewed nearly all of the current 20 Barclay's Premier League managers. He is also a correspondent for Bleacher Report and has written for Caught Offside and Give Me Football.