Sport

The relative lack of current success for both clubs is threatening to take some of the bite out this most tempestuous of clashes.

Robin van Persie’s double at Southampton has left Louis van Gaal’s side in third place but defender Evans has played enough times against Liverpool to know anything can happen.

City are currently on fire with six consecutive wins and celebrated qualification into the Champions League last 16 on Wednesday.

Two losses on the bounce have left the Giants clinging for dear life onto the final playoff spot as Jones’ men face a trip to Worcester this evening.

Manchester United and City have notably built up squads containing sportsmen from abroad, but rugby union team Sale Sharks also have a special one of their own in Russian Ostrikov.

Dale manager Keith Hill is in a positive frame of mind as they continue their frenetic Christmas period against Colchester United on Saturday, buoyed by the availability of key figures as his side attempt to bounce back from a dip in form and return to the play-off spots.

Sharks may have nothing but pride to play for as they face the return fixture away to Saracens in the European Rugby Champions Cup tomorrow, however flanker Andrei Ostrikov insists his side won’t roll over just because they are out of contention.

Victory over the former WBC and IBF light welterweight and former IBF welterweight champion could be the key for Khan to unlock the door to even bigger bouts.

The last meeting between the two was in April 2013 when Oldham’s Lee Johnson bested his father Gary, winning 1-0 thanks to a solitary goal from Matt Smith.

Giants travel to Worcester tonight but come Saturday morning they’ll be out in force in Ancoats to encourage members of the public to donate presents for Manchester’s disadvantaged children.

The Shakers will be hoping last weekend’s dramatic last-minute equaliser against Luton Town in the FA Cup can act as a spring board for their league form.