King of the Kippax fanzine editor Dave Wallace (DW) and Bluemoon's Ric Turner (RT) give us their thoughts ahead of Saturday's game against current Premier League Champions Manchester City.

Why City?

DW: Sky Blue, Bert Trautmann, Wembley in 55, beat united 3 times but I wasn’t really aware of that just their bitterness.

RT: I come from a long line of City fans, so there was never much choice in the matter.

How long a fan?

DW: Since 1955 and yes I remember the 9-2.

RT: I was 8 when I went to my first game at Maine Road (a 1-0 win aginst Liverpool in 1985), so 27 years in total.

Highlight of supporting the club?

DW: Loyalty of the fans under severe provocation – can you imagine being in the same City as THEM? Doing the fanzine and all the successes, plus seeing my kids and grandkids follow the Blues instead of the evil empire.

RT: Unquestionably winning the league last season. The dramatic nature of the title race, coupled with the fact that it was United we pipped at the post, made at all the sweeter.

Favourite current City player?

DW: I have a few – Joe Hart,  Ya Ya, Kompany, Silva, Aguero.... a bit different from a few years ago.

RT: David Silva is a joy to watch. His close control is exceptional, and he sees things that other players don't see.

Favourite all-time City player?

DW: Still Bert Trautmann.

RT: Georgi Kinkladze was a brilliant footballer, and illuminated Maine Road during some particularly dark days. Unfortunately he played in one of the worst City teams in living memory. It would've been interesting to see how he fared in the current side.

Thoughts on last season, was the accusation that you ‘bought’ the title fair?

DW: Possibly, but you could say we bought the title in 1968 (thanks for beating the rags 6-3 by the way) . Every team has bought the title we just had to buy quicker to catch up.

RT: The only way you can win the league now is with heavy investment, and has been the same since the Premiership began. United, Blackburn, Arsenal and Chelsea all had significant financial backing too. The days where smaller, provincial teams could win the league through a combination of astute purchases and good management are long gone. We’re very fortunate to have the owner we have.

Happy with Roberto Mancini?

DW: Difficult to argue with someone who’s won us the cup and league after 35 barren years.

RT: More than happy - he's delivered the F.A. Cup and Premiership title in the last two season, after 35 years without a trophy. He still makes a few baffling decisions, and his man-management skills are questionable, but I admire his achievements. Obviously the money helped hugely, but it still requires strong leadership to forge a successful side.

What do you make of City’s start to the season?

DW: A bit indifferent but we’re still unbeaten and are up there in the mix.

RT: It's been a bit of a slow start, and we're yet to find our best form. The fact that we are still undefeated bodes well for the rest of the campaign. There have been signs in the last two league games against Fulham and Sunderland that we're starting to find our rhythm.

Who’s been your best player so far?

DW: David Silva.

RT: Carlos Tevez has started the season brightly. He looks to have shed some weight and regained his desire after the disappointing events of last season.

Anyone been a let-down, anyone been particularly poor?

DW: Not really – but Vinny hasn’t been quite on top of his game so far.

RT: I love Balotelli, but he is incredibly frustrating at times. Has great natural ability but his temperament is obviously suspect and he needs to cut out the histrionics. This is a pivotal season  for him.

Prediction and thoughts for the season, can you retain the title and can you achieve success in Europe?

DW: I think both will be difficult for us – but we have a good chance for the league, not so good for Europe.

RT: I expect us to challenge strongly for the title again this season, but Chelsea and United also look strong. Progression from a very difficult Champions' League group would be an additional bonus, but we have no chance of winning it.

Prediction and thoughts for Albion’s season?

DW: Early days but looks like you’re going to do well, certainly top half.

RT: I must hold my hands up. When the appointment of Steve Clarke was announced I thought you'd struggle this season. However, you've made a great start and a top 10 finish is a definite possibility.

Albion player you admire?

DW: I’ll tell you after Saturday.

RT: Shane Long and Peter Odemwingie are a handful up front, whilst Jonas Olsson is a rock at the back.

Any particular memory of Albion v Man City games that stands out?

DW: Charity shield in 1968, League Cup Final in 1970, difficult to top those really.

RT: The 4-0 defeat at The Hawthorns in 2001 was pretty galling. We'd started the season brightly under Kevin Keegan, but came crashing back down to earth with that result.

Three teams for the drop?

DW: Norwich, QPR, Villa (only joking) Reading.

RT: Southampton, Reading and Norwich.

Prediction for Saturday’s game?

DW: 3-2 City.

RT: A hard fought 1-1 draw.

Finally, Oasis or Simply Red?

DW: You know the answer! I don’t sing Simply Red songs but their manager was a City fan and I was once quoted as saying “how can anyone sing like that and support united”.

RT: Noel Gallagher is a Blue, Mick Hucknall is a red. Need I Say any more?