Phillip Buckley

What: English Premier League
Who: Manchester United vs Manchester City
When: Tuesday 25th March, 2014, at 19:45 UK Time
Where: Old Trafford, Manchester, England

Corner Turned?

Manchester United boss David Moyes must have reached many points this season when he thought the corner had truly been turned on a wretched campaign, but then his side came a cropper once again. But back-to-back wins, coming against Olympiacos and West Ham, may have the former Everton manager feeling a heavy 3-0 defeat from Liverpool has been recovered from and his side can give a good account of themselves against Manchester City.

But Moyes is wary, scarred by numerous occasions this term where his team have not been able to match up to the Premier League's best. "We want to perform better in the bigger games than we have done, I have no doubt about that", Moyes explained. "It’ll be important to show the level of what we’ve got and I think we have got the level."

Manchester United succumbed to a damaging 4-1 defeat away at Manchester City earlier this season in the first warning signs that all may not be well. The Red Devils will be without Robin van Persie, but Wayne Rooney showed a willingness to step up to the plate against West Ham, scoring both his side's goals, the first a wonder strike from just over the halfway line.

Citizens Must Respond

Chelsea's 6-0 demolition of Arsenal at the weekend has thrown down the gauntlet to Manchester City, with a signal that they cannot afford to lose any of their three games in hand on the Blues if they wish to overhaul them at the top. A Manchester derby is a potential banana skin, as boss Manuel Pellegrini knows all too well. And that is why the Chilean has done his best to keep expectations low, despite most observers making his side clear favourites against Manchester United.

"I don't think we are favourites in any game. We are in a good moment but we are playing against a big team in their own stadium, so I don't think we are the favourites", Pellegrini said.

Manchester City thrashed Fulham 5-0 at the weekend to head into the derby in very good heart, but there continues to be question marks over the side's defence. And that is why Pellegrini will be delighted to welcome back captain Vincent Kompany from suspension for the trip to Old Trafford.
 

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Recent form

Manchester United:
Manchester United 0-3 Liverpool (16/03; Premier League)
Manchester United 3-0 Olympiacos (19/03; Champions League)
West Ham 0-2 Manchester United (22/03; Premier League)

Manchester City:
Barcelona 2-1 Manchester City (12/03; Champions League)
Hull 0-2 Manchester City (15/03; Premier League)
Manchester City 5-0 Fulham (22/03; Premier League)

Key absences

Manchester United: Nemanja Vidic (suspended); Robin van Persie; Chris Smalling (doubt); Jonny Evans (doubt), Rio Ferdinand (doubt)

Manchester City: Sergio Aguero; Matija Nastasic

Players to watch

Manchester United – Michael Carrick: The midfielder was played in defence against West Ham and Moyes was quick to laud his performance post match. With a number of defensive concerns continuing to trouble Manchester United, Carrick may once again be played at the back and must reproduce his weekend display.

Manchester City – Vincent Kompany: While Manchester City's attack will surely cause their rivals problems, the defence must stand firm, especially with Wayne Rooney looking in good touch for the hosts. That makes Kompany's return more than welcome for the Citizens.

Match Prediction

Manchester United will be motivated for the clash against their rivals, however they were similarly motivated against Liverpool. Moyes' men are not up to the Citizens' mark at present and, while Manchester City will not be as ruthless as Liverpool, they should have enough to secure the win. Manchester United 1-2 Manchester City.

Betting on Man Utd v Man City? Make sure you read our betting preview first!
 

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