Manchester City enter this derby game on the back of the second defeat of the season, whereas Liverpool hope to continue the good run after beating Newcastle at Anfield.

Despite the recent downtrend in form, Manchester City had an excellent opportunity to create a three-point cushion at the Premiership standings after Manchester United had lost their home game to Blackburn.

The Citizens indeed dominated their match against Sunderland, but ended up losing the game after the hosts scored the winner from offside deep into injury time.

Seeing that it was City’s fourth straight failure on the travels, Roberto Mancini’s men will be delighted to return to their Etihad, where they boast a perfect record from nine games. Thus the odds of 1.91 (10/11) offered by Victor Chandler on home win.

Sergio Aguero, Gael Clichy, David Silva, Mario Balotelli and Micah Richards should all return after being rested against Sunderland.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Hart – Richards, Kompany, Lescott, Clichy – Y. Toure, Barry – Aguero, Silva, Milner – Balotelli.

Liverpool have been showing a lot of improvement this season, but several unexpected slip-ups at Anfield cost the Reds a chance to fight for the Premier League title.

While playing really well on the travels, Kenny Dalglish’s side had won just three of nine home games this season, meaning that a clash with Newcastle was a must-win match for them.

Things didn’t start well for the Reds as Newcastle took the lead through Haris Vuckic, but Craig Bellamy and Steven Gerrard made sure the points remained at Anfield.

The Welsh striker scored a brace against his former club, proving that he is in amazing form at the moment and he is now 4.50 (7/2) with Ladbrokes to score against Manchester City as well.

Luis Suarez is available again as his eight-match ban is pending an appeal, whereas Steven Gerrard could start after the great cameo role against Newcastle.

Probable starting line-up (4-4-2): Reina – Johnson, Skrtel, Agger, Enrique – Henderson, Gerrard, Adam, Downing – Suarez, Bellamy.