“Fact Or Fiction” is a weekly segment on EPL Talk. In today’s column, an assertion will be made regarding an impacting topic in the Premier League. EPL Talk writers Matt Hackenmiller and Earl Reed (and sometimes The Gaffer) each offer their views on whether the statement is “Fact or Fiction.”

Fact or Fiction: With Manchester City’s recent dip in form, it is time for their fans to get nervous.

Matt Hackenmiller (MH): Fiction. With the torrid pace that Manchester City started the season with, it was somewhat realistic to believe that they would continue to play that way until the spring. But City has a few things going in its favor. First, they still employ a very talent and deep squad. The likes of Joe Hart, Micah Richards, David Silva and Sergio Aguero have been recognize as some of the best players in England so far this season. Along with that, ownership has always been willing to spend and with the January transfer window market opening soon, the City squad could become even deeper. Secondly, despite Manchester United’s recent run of positive results, they are a team with some major problems; the biggest of which is the loss of Nemanja Vidic along the backline. Lastly, with City being knocked out of European competition they will be able to focus more on league play results and won’t feel the need to rest players in order to participate in the continent clashes. While it is easy for fans to overact to a few poor matches, in the end, City is still in a great position to win the Premier League title this season.

The Gaffer (TG): Fact. Manchester United, despite their recent form, are better positioned to win the 2011-12 Premier League title not only because of where they’re at in the table, but more so because of their experience in knowing what it takes to lift a Premiership title. Manchester City, no matter how spectacular they are to watch at times, is a team that is yet to hit a patch of bad form and is yet to show us how they can battle out of it. City fans should be extremely nervous. To me, the big match which could have a dramatic impact on the rest of City’s season will be played this Sunday between Manchester City and Manchester United in the FA Cup. If United can win that game, they’ll have the psychological advantage against City for the remainder of the Premier League season. Whether City will win the league this year will depend on Manchester United more than it will on the Citizens.

What do you think? Is it fact or fiction that with Manchester City’s recent dip in form, it is time for their fans to get nervous?