Man U vs Man City
Venue: Old Trafford
Kick off: 12:30pm
All eyes will be on Old Trafford on Saturday (today) as Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola renew their rivalry when Manchester United host Manchester City in the Manchester derby.
A subplot in the anticipated fixture will see United manager, Mourinho, come up against his City counterpart, Guardiola, in what will be their inaugural meeting in the Premier League.
The neighbours will be aiming to preserve 100 per cent records, having both won their opening three games of the season for only the second time, the first being in 2011/12.
After securing maximum points away to AFC Bournemouth and at home to Southampton, a solitary goal in injury-time from Marcus Rashford edged Mourinho’s men past Hull City at the KCOM Stadium, prior to the international break.
Meanwhile, City continued their perfect start to life under Guardiola a day later, defeating West Ham United 3-1 at the Etihad Stadium – a victory that enhanced the feel good factor that has returned under the stewardship of the Catalan.
A brace from Raheem Sterling, either side of Fernandinho’s header confirmed the Sky Blues’ place at the summit of the top-flight going into the clash.
In their previous three league outings, City looked to have fully found their feet under Guardiola, following some efficient performances, domestically and in European competition.
The derby, which will be contested for the 172nd time come kick-off today, will not define the eventual champions come May, but it could provide the bragging rights and momentum for one half of the city.
United secured the points in the last derby, after Rashford’s strike decided the outcome at the Etihad Stadium in March, during a 1-0 win for the Red Devils.
United were boosted after Mourinho confirmed that midfielder Marouane Fellaini will be fit for the Old Trafford showpiece after recovering from a back injury.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan will also return in time for the derby.
The midfielder was a doubt when he injured his thigh on international duty with Armenia.
As for City, Guardiola will have to contend without forward Sergio Aguero.
The Argentine will serve the first of a three match suspension for violent conduct following an incident with West Ham United defender Winston Reid last Sunday.
Kelechi Iheanacho is therefore poised to start up front in place of the suspended Aguero at Old Trafford.