City’s classy midfielder has had a starring role in the Blues’ winning start to the season, but his experience tells him that Sunday’s opponents still have strength in depth.
Didi says: “They are two very influential players for them but they have 20 or more internationals to pick from. The ones that come in will want to prove that should be in the first eleven, so regardless whom they put out they will field eleven top-class players. But, you can say that Rooney and Ronaldo are very influential players for them and they will probably miss them.
“If we could get a result on Sunday, it would be tremendous for the club and for the fans. They suffered a lot last season, it would be great to send them home with a smile on their face because we did not do that enough for them last season.”
City go into the derby with a maximum points return and two clean sheets, whereas United have drawn both their opening games. ‘Didi’ knows this and is trying to keep level-headed in the build up to Sunday.
“We’re looking forward to it,” he continues. “It’s probably not a bad time to play United. They have had a difficult start to the season with drawing the first two games, I don’t think anybody expected that because with the quality that they have, you almost expect them to win every game.
“We must not get carried away with ourselves, it’s been a good start to the season for us but it is early doors. We have to keep our feet on the ground, Sunday is a big test for us, probably the biggest test and against the champions as well.”
With the club encouraging people to bring along the scarves given out at last May’s home derby, Didi has also looked back to the way the fans got behind the team that day.
“The atmosphere then was unbelievable, as good as I have ever experienced and the fans will be right behind us again on Sunday.”
