We’ll get to those shortly but begin our morning round-up with Sky Sports revealing the live game that proved their biggest draw of the decade.
Features
The Mirror: Sky reveal most viewed game of the decade
2012 derby at the Etihad takes the honours…
“The most-watched Premier League football match of all-time and without question the biggest Manchester derby of all-time.
“City and United went into this midweek clash under the lights at the Etihad knowing that the winner would be in pole position to win the title a few weeks later.
“Just three weeks after City trailed their rivals by eight points in the table, they went top on goal difference with thanks to an emphatic Vincent Kompany header.
It would set up the most memorable moment in footballing history a fortnight later, as Sergio Aguero secured City’s first Premier League title in the 93rd minute of the final day of the season.
“The match represents the only time over four million people have tuned in to watch a top flight match.”
Predictions
BBC Sport: Lawro tipping City to end Blades run
BBC pundit Mark Lawrenson’s latest Premier League predictions…along with rapper Avelino
“Sheffield United have not been beaten in any of their nine away league games so far, but this is by far and away their toughest assignment to date.
“If City play anywhere near as well as we know they can, they will have too much firepower for the Blades.
“I am not expecting United to make life easy for them, because they will be solid and well organised, and they are a clever side.
“But the teams who have beaten City at Etihad Stadium this season - Wolves and Manchester United - undid them using absolute pace, and Chris Wilder’s side do not have that in their attack.
Lawro’s prediction: 3-0
Avelino’s prediction: “To beat City at the Etihad like Wolves and Manchester United did, you pretty much have to play the perfect game.
“As great as Sheffield United have been this season, I think City will have too much for them. Kevin de Bruyne is playing like an alien at the moment and is the best player in the Premier League without a doubt. 4-2.”
The Sport Review: Michael Owen’s view of City v Blades
Writing in his column, Owen said: ‘Manchester City are bidding to do what no other side in the Premier League has done so far this season and beat Sheffield United on home soil.
‘The Blades proud unbeaten away record is set to fall at the Etihad, but the fact that they proudly sit sixth in the table, ahead of the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal, shows what a fantastic job all at Bramall Lane have done in the first half of the season.
‘With a trip to Anfield to come over New Year, however, things are going to get more difficult for the Blades.
‘If they are still unbeaten on the road in a week’s time, having played, arguably, the two best sides in Europe, then it really will be a remarkable achievement.’
That’s all for this morning – more match build-up tomorrow as the games come thick and fast.
