Overall, both Manchester sides have not had it good this season in the Premier League. Manchester City were one of the pre-season favorites for the title but they’re now 15 points behind league leaders Leicester City with only nine matches to go.
The Citizens are very much in danger of dropping out of the top four if they lose here, but their recent record against United is healthy so they can at least take confidence from that.
Manchester United have also been terrible all round and now find themselves in sixth place coming into this match. The Red Devils are in danger of missing out of the Champions League for the second time in three seasons, which will be a huge financial blow for the club.
The team suffered further humiliation during the week as they lost to arch rivals Liverpool 3-1 on aggregate to crash out of the Europa League.
Louis van Gaal’s men must now turn their attention to this massive fixture which they desperately need to win to avoid falling too far behind as the race to reach the top four rages on.
KEY STAT: Manchester United have won just once in the last six games against Manchester City in all competitions (D1 L4)
Team news
United skipper Wayne Rooney is still out with a knee injury while Phil Jones and Ashley Young also remain on the sidelines. Ander Herrera is a major doubt for this tie after suffering a groin injury but Juan Mata is available after completing his one-match suspension.
Manchester City also have a few injury problems of their own with Vincent Kompany and Nicolas Otamendi out injured. Fabian Delph, Kevin De Bruyne and Samir Nasri are not expected back in the squad until after the international break.
Predicted lineups
