Bradford City beating Arsenal will without a doubt go down in both club’s histories for drastically contrasting reasons. The primary reason being that Bradford were no less than 65 places below Arsenal in the English league pyramid at the start of play (Bradford 4th in league 2, Arsenal 7th in the Premier League).

In the build up to this match there was a strange feeling between the home fans that something magical was on the cards. Not many fans were willing to rule their team out.

I was reminded of the scale of this quarter-final Capital One Cup clash by the presence of Sky Sports; a sight Bradford fans almost never see. The gulf in resources was also made apparent by the temporary shack-like structure that had been erected for Sky to work in. Whereas the Emirates stadium possesses an area specifically designed for TV.

From the outset of this match, Arsenal fans felt they were here to pick up a routine win. These feelings were enhanced when the announcement of the starting line-ups was made, revealing that manager Arsene Wenger had gone with his strongest possible line-up.

When the game kicked off, explicit chants from the 4,000-strong Arsenal following filled the stadium as Gunners fans mocked the city, citing their overwhelming urges at wanting to leave.

The fans followed these chants with “You only came to see the Arsenal” chants. In part these chants had substance as the stadium had all but met its capacity with a match featuring an attendance of 24,000. The club’s usual attendance is 10,000, which is impressive for a League Two side. But this game’s attendance was their record attendance for 60 years, surpassing any of their Premier League attendances.

The final score was, without a doubt, a resounding victory for Bradford’s team, which cost approximately £7,500. Arsenal’s team cost £65 million to build.

Bradford’s victory against Arsenal shows the true romance of the English game and what is possible for any underdog in any sport.

Whether you’re a blue, red or neutral, this will be one match that will be watched worldwide.

A clash between the English Premier League’s top two teams, which also happens to be a local derby, Sunday’s game will without doubt be a fiercely contested affair.

It is a match-up between the top scorers in the league – Manchester United, and the team with the meanest defense – Manchester City.

City famously won both matches between the two last season, which included a 6-1 drubbing at Old Trafford.

They then followed their emphatic away win with a 1-0 victory at the Etihad, a result which proved definitive in the title race. Needless to say all the fans will want for Christmas will be a win for their side.

Manchester City will be without Rodwell (hamstring), Richards (knee) and Kolarov (thigh).

Manchester United will be without Anderson (hamstring), Cleverley (calf), Nani (hamstring), Kagawa, Vidic (both knee) and Valencia (hip).

A win for the home side will see them match the Red Devils at the top of the league whereas a win for United will see them further pull away from the chasing pack.

Both sides hold sizeable gaps from their nearest challengers Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur.

Mancini’s men are yet to record a loss in the league whereas Sir Alex’s men have amassed 12 wins from their 15 games thus far.

The traditional pre-match talk has already begun between the two managers and personnel affiliated with the clubs.

Most recently ex united frontman Ole Gunnar Solskjaer made a scathing blow labelling City as United’s “little brother”.

Sir Alex Ferguson questioned how many penalties their rivals have been receiving.

It will be Roberto Mancini who holds the bragging rights if his side do prevail on Sunday. A win for his side would be the first time the sky blues have beaten their local rivals three times in a row in the league since 1970.

He will hope to have James Milner, Gael Clichy and David Silva fit and in contention as he aims to trump Sir Alex.

The two managers famously clashed at the Etihad Stadium with both managers feeling the pressure of the match, as Ferguson felt Mancini was trying to influence the referee.

The two managers had to be separated by fourth official Mike Jones and Mancini’s assistant David Platt.

Since being taken over by Sheikh Mansour city have been able to splash the cash and have become an instant contender Championships, prevailing in 2011/12.

With big money signings including Argentine Sergio Aguero, Italian Mario Balotelli and Spaniard David Silva money bags City were able to up themselves to another level.

However Manchester United made the biggest signing of the latest transfer window with the arrival of Dutchman and the league’s leading top scorer Robin Van Persie. The striker has made an instant impact, scoring crucial goals in the league and in Europe.

The tie will see a showcase of numerous other world class strikers between the two teams. United as well as Van Persie are able to call upon Javier “Chichorito” Hernandez, Wayne Rooney and Danny Welbeck.

City are also able to call upon their whole strike force including goal scorers from the 6-1 victory at old Trafford – Mario Balotelli (2), Edin Dzeko 2, Sergio Aguero (1) and not to mention Argentine international Carlos Tevez.