City and United go into the first Manchester derby of the season tied on points, but already a couple of points behind their title contenders.
It was hardly surprising to see Roberto Mancini get the boot after a trophyless season, but his replacement Manuel Pellegrini wouldn’t have been everyone’s first choice.
And even if the team have been showing signs of improvement under the Chilean, they have already dropped five points in the Premier League, while also largely struggling at home against Hull City.
It is clear that the experienced coach is still searching for his best starting 11, although injury to star player David Silva certainly did not help.
Manchester City managed to return to winning ways with a resounding Champions League victory against Viktoria Plzen, but they are well aware this will be a whole different ball game.
Paddy Power has them at 2.30 (13/10) to win the high-profile clash, with top scorer Alvaro Negredo 3.00 (2/1) at Coral to increase his total goal tally.
The hosts could have David Silva and Micah Richards back from injury, but Gael Clichy continues to miss out.
Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Hart – Zabaleta, Kompany, Nastasic, Kolarov – Toure, Fernandinho – Milner, Silva, Aguero – Negredo.
Manchester United, too, have already dropped five points this term, although at least those points were lost in high-profile matches against Chelsea and Liverpool.
And while the Red Devils completely outclassed the Blues at home, the absence of revived Wayne Rooney can be seen as an excuse for under-par performance at Anfield.
Meanwhile, they have won the Community Shield match against Wigan, while beating Swansea and Crystal Palace in the league, before hammering Bayer Leverkusen in midweek.
Magnificent Wayne Rooney continued his excellent scoring run with two goals against the Germans, and he is no less than 4.33 (10/3) at Coral to net at Etihad as well.
In spite of winning this fixture last season, United are 3.60 (13/5) at Stan James to claim maximum points on Sunday afternoon.
Danny Welbeck is a major doubt with a knee problem, whereas Phil Jones and Rafael are definitely out of contention. Ashley Young and Nani return.
Probable starting line-up (4-4-1-1): De Gea – Fabio, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra – Valencia, Carrick, Fellaini, Young – Rooney – Van Persie.
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