Thursday evening’s Premier League action comes from the Etihad Stadium where City host United in the 174th Manchester derby.

Pep Guardiola’s men go into the game on the back of Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final defeat to Arsenal, where they lost in extra-time to all but end their hopes of landing any silverware this season.

In the league, they are currently one place and one point above their neighbours with a slightly better goal difference and victory here would tighten their grip on a Champions League qualification place, especially when you consider both sides’ run-ins beyond this fixture.

A trip to nineteenth place Middlesbrough comes on Sunday for the Citizens before three consecutive home ties against Crystal Palace, Leicester City and West Bromwich Albion while they end their campaign with an away game at Watford.

David Silva is set to miss out after limping off at Wembley though Sergio Aguero, who picked up a knock in the same game, and Gabriel Jesus are both available for selection.

Aguero is favourite to get the first goal of the game at 4.5 (7/2) with a number of firms, with Leroy Sane a 9.0 (8/1) shot with Paddy Power.

City are favourites to take all three points with Stan James offering 1.95 (19/20) for the home win as well as a joint-best price for United at 4.5 (7/2). The draw can be backed at 3.7 (27/10).

Jose Mourinho’s side stretched their unbeaten run to twenty-three games at the weekend after beating Burnley 2-0 at Turf Moor and a win here would see them move level on points with fierce rivals Liverpool, who currently occupy third place.

Paul Pogba will miss the game along with defensive duo Chris Smalling and Phil Jones but Ander Herrera has overcome an ankle knock in time to be considered for selection.

Marcus Rashford is 8.5 (15/2) to open the scoring with several companies with Wayne Rooney a 10.0 (9/1) shout with Bet 365.

The reverse fixture ended in a 2-1 win for City at Old Trafford back in September while the following month United got their revenge to the tune of a 1-0 win in the EFL Cup, en route to lifting the trophy in February.

Four of the last six clashes between the sides have seen fewer than two goals, so you may be tempted to back that outcome this time around at 3.5 (5/2) with Sky Bet.