The Premier League’s top two face off at Old Trafford this afternoon, and we are expecting a cracker two weeks before Christmas Day.

Manchester United’s new head of academy and former midfielder Nicky Butt wants to take a leaf out of his old mentor Sir Alex Ferguson’s book by bringing in one-club stalwarts.

Manchester United used to dominate the Manchester derby and have everything on their terms but since Sheikh Mansour took over the Citizens in 2008, the bragging rights in Manchester have become equally split.

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal believes his side are underdogs ahead of the Manchester derby at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Manchester City’s free-scoring form has handed manager Manuel Pellegrini a boost ahead of crucial matches against Sevilla in the Champions League on Wednesday and Manchester United in the derby on Sunday.

Sergio Aguero’s injury over the international break will have come as a crushing blow to Manchester City, especially after his five goals last time out against Newcastle United.

Manchester was painted red on Sunday as, courtesy of goals from Ashley Young, Marouane Fellaini, Juan Mata and Chris Smalling, United silenced their traditionally neighbours 4-2 at Old Trafford.

Ex-England international refused to be drawn into making a prediction, stating that the latest meeting of the Mancunian giants was too close to call.

Manchester United, the 13-time Premier League champions, sit one point and one place above last season’s winners and will be looking to avenge their 1-0 defeat at City earlier in the season to all but secure a Champions League berth next season.

While Manchester City target an unprecedented five straight wins over United on Sunday, equally the Red Devils have never lost five straight league games against their fierce rivals as history beckons at Old Trafford.

The England midfielder made his first appearance of 2014/15 in United’s derby loss to noisy neighbours Manchester City on Sunday, having only just returned from a lengthy spell on the side-lines.