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Manchester United
After a league season that has spluttered throughout, Manchester United seem to have finally clicked into gear and come into the biggest game of their domestic season in pretty good nick. Just one defeat in their last ten games and five wins in a row mean they'll fancy their chances of securing three points in this fixture for the first time since December 2012.
With Michael Carrick back in midfield, Daley Blind back at left back and Marouane Fellaini playing the role of devastating, deep-lying target man, United have found a balance that eluded them earlier in the campaign.
With City in a bit of a mini-crisis, United fans will be confident going into this game for the first time in a couple of years. Robin van Persie misses out through injury.
Man City
We're in the business end of the season now and Man City's campaign has pretty much fallen apart. Out of Europe, out of the cup and now realistically out of the title race, Manuel Pellegrini is more than likely to be out of a job come May. A derby win would only be a plaster on the broken leg of their season.
City's recent record in this fixture is good however, and the players will be desperate to put their recent wobble right in the most dramatic way possible - with a win over their local rivals.
Captain Vincent Kompany may miss out through injury (which would arguably be a bonus for City given his recent form), Wilfried Bony still has an ankle problem and won't feature, and Stevan Jovetic also misses out.
Match Odds
A few weeks ago, the very idea of United going into this game as favourites would have been laughable in the extreme, but favourites they are, at 2.72, and what a difference three or four games can make in this league. City's price has drifted out beyond belief initially before coming back in again slightly and the market now looks pretty poised.
City are at 2.88 and The Draw is available at [3.45]. I would probably rate United as slight favourites and think the market is just about right. To me, City look like they're on a downward spiral and I think it might be terminal for Pellegrini's reign - they've lost their last three away from home, too. For that reason, I have to side with a Van Gaal side with the bit between their teeth, especially given they're the home side.
Over/Under 2.5 Goals
This fixture has long had a reputation for being a slugfest, with both teams attacking keenly and goals being the result. No fewer than 35 goals have been scored in this fixture in the past nine encounters, and I am surprised to see Over 2.5 Goals at 1.88.
That looks quite big to me - it might well be because the game at the Etihad earlier in the season was 1-0, but I am happy to side with goals here. 3.25 on Over 3.5 looks absolutely huge too.
Sending Off?
A wounded City and an up-for-it, in-form Man United facing off in a battle for top four supremacy? I'll take a bit of 3.20ish available on a red card, especially given the history in this game and the amount of attacking, fast-paced football that is likely to be played.
There'll be some pretty volatile characters on that pitch, too. Yes in this market rates a good bet.
Recommended Bets
Back Man United at 2.72
Back Over 3.5 Goals at 3.25
Back Yes in Sending Off market at 3.20 or better
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