Manchester City and Manchester United will renew their rivalry with a derby day clash at the Etihad stadium on Sunday.

City emerged victorious in both Premier League  encounters last season, securing a memorable 6-1 victory at Old Trafford, before snatching the second clash on the 28th April 1-0 in what proved to be a pivotal game in the title race.

There has been suggestions already that the two Manchester clubs are set to battle it out for the title again with no real competition emerging. This head to head could again prove crucial in the final league table standings.

There has also been talk that Manchester City could have a slender advantage with their sole focus being on domestic competitions following their early exit from the Champions League.

The Red Devils managed to pull three points clear of City following a 4-3 win against Reading and Ferguson has spoken about the need to shore up their defence to avoid defeat on Sunday, with City currently unbeaten.

David Silva will be given as much chance as is needed to prove his fitness for the clash but he is touch and go to feature. The only other two injuries for City are Micah Richards who has remained sidelined for some time with a knee injury and Alexander Kolarov (groin).

United are likely to be without Tom Cleverley after he limped out of the midweek 1-0 loss to CFR Cluj in the Champions League.

There have been just five goals scored in the last six league meetings between City and United at the Etihad Stadium and no more than one in any of those games.

Prediction: Manchester City 0-1 Manchester United

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