One of the biggest derbies in the Premier League takes center stage on Sunday as Manchester United take on Manchester City at Old Trafford (10am ET kickoff on NBCSN for viewers in the United States).

The Red Devils were trounced 3-0 by Arsenal just before the last international break but bounced back to defeat Everton 3-0 last week and managed to grab a point away to CSKA Moscow in their midweek Champions League tie.

Manager Louis van Gaal has come under criticism for some of his selection choices in recent matches such as pairing Michael Carrick and Bastian Schweinsteiger against Arsenal and now sticking Anthony Martial on the wings instead of playing him through the middle.

But he simply cannot afford to make any team selection mistakes here or we could see a repeat of that embarrassing game at the Emirates Stadium or worse with City scoring goals for fun in their last two games.

Before this weekend, Manuel Pellegrini’s men were top of the table with two points ahead of Arsenal and United but could extend that gap to up to five points if they beat United and other results go their way.

The visitors are in good shape after coming from behind to beat Sevilla in their Champions League tie and will be looking to avenge their 4-2 loss at Old Trafford last April.

With Sergio Aguero and David Silva doubtful, it will be up to last week’s hat trick hero Raheem Sterling and Wilfried Bony to step up again. City have enough strength in-depth and should be able to put out a decent enough lineup come Sunday morning US time.

KEY STAT: Manchester United have lost four of the last five matches between the sides.

Team News

Manuel Pellegrini will be missing the services of Aguero (hamstring) and Silva (ankle) as well as Gael Clichy (foot), Samir Nasri (hamstring) and Fabian Delph (hamstring). However, Vincent Kompany should be back in the side for this one.

The Chilean is expected to stick with the most of the same starting lineup that defeated Bournemouth 5-1 last week with Wilfried Bony up top and Sterling, Kevin De Bruyne and Jesus Navas just behind him.

For United, they have no new injury worries with Ashley Young (calf) and Luke Shaw (broken leg) the only absentees which means we may see the same starting XI that defeated Everton last weekend.

Predicted Lineups