When the big Manchester sides face off, the world stops to watch. It has been labelled the biggest fixture in English football in the past few weeks- and United's rivalry with their 'noisey neighbours' seems to be a bigger draw than their games against Liverpool, nowadays.
The coveted clash has provided us with some absolute classics in the past few seasons, since the Sheikh revolution at City. Two spring to mind. Firstly, the 2009 game in which Michael Owen scored in stoppage time to finish the game 3 - 2 in United's favour. And the 6 -1 mauling the blue side gave the red at Old Trafford last season.
With the title race almost completely over, the chance to avenge that embarrassing defeat seems to be the greatest motivation for Fergie's boys. For Mancini and his men, on the other hand, this may be the last opportunity to get one over United this season.
But in truth, who really needs extra motivation in a Manchester derby?
Roberto Mancini has said in the press over the weekend that his Manchester club are still as good as United and "if [he] had landed... Summer targets, [City] would now be top of the League". Kind of contradicting himself there- nevertheless, the mind games have already began.
In regards to team fitness, City look the stronger with only Jack Rodwell missing out. Wayne Rooney and Rafael have overcome groin strains, but defensive pair Jonny Evans and Nemanja Vidic are doubts.
On paper, Manchester United should be firm favourites- the gap between them and their neighbours this season is there for all to see. However much of the footballing world, including Owen Hargreaves, are backing City to beat the League leaders.
What do we predict? Goals, tackles and a lot of drama.
