It’s derby day this Saturday as Manchester United and Manchester City face off in the most eagerly anticipated clash of the season so far.

The clubs are two of the title favourites and have certainly both started with championship winning form. United have comfortably beaten Bournemouth and Southampton before leaving it late against Hull to record their third victory of the season.

Meanwhile, over in the blue corner, City have started just as well. They opened the season with a victory over Sunderland before comfortably beating Stoke and seeing off West Ham last time out, meaning this game is the first time one of the two at least, will drop points.

Both Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola are well aware of how important an early win could boost their team’s confidence this season, so you can expect some particularly frantic touchline gestures come kick-off.

The fact of the matter is it all comes down to the 22 men on the pitch and we think this six in particular will be part of the three key battles that could determine where the game is won and lost...

Zlatan Ibrahimovic v Nicolas Otamendi

Otamendi

With Vincent Kompany still out on the sidelines through injury it’s expected that Otamendi will once again partner John Stones at the heart of the City defence.

Whilst Stones will be the one expected to play the ball out from the back the Argentine needs to stand up to Zlatan Ibrahimovic and ensure he doesn’t get near the ball.

It’s set to be a physical battle on Saturday the Swedish striker will relish it so the former Valencia man needs to be right at it.

David Silva v Marouane Fellaini

FellainiMUFC2

Fellaini has a big job this weekend after seemingly impressing his new manager Jose Mourinho so far this season.

The Belgian international is tasked with stopping City playing and that will only happen if he keeps David Silva quiet.

The diminutive Spaniard has the ability to run rings around Fellaini if given the chance and so for United to get a foothold in the game he needs to be stopped from finding his rhythm as much as possible.

Fernandinho v Wayne Rooney

wayne rooney

 

Whilst Silva is the one that pulls the strings going forward it’s been Fernandinho at the base of midfield where City’s attacks actually originate.

The Brazilian is the supply line from Stones to Silva so Wayne Rooney may be deployed by Mourinho to stop him coming so deep and collecting the ball. If the England captain can do this effectively it’ll both disrupt City and give United an advanced foundation on which to build attacks themselves.

Meanwhile, Fernandinho himself needs to pay close attention to Rooney because if he gives him too much room, United are going to win the game.