United and City meet in yet another Manchester derby, which is certain to be a real spicy affair once again.
City, gunning for the League title, will be hoping to take advantage of United’s unusual situation, with Moyes’ men seemingly out of the current title race this season.
However, United are somewhat in form at the moment, after two impressive victories against Olympiakos and West Ham United, which has, for now at least, relieved the pressure on the under-fire David Moyes.
A brace from Rooney helped United on their way to a 2-0 win away at the Hammers, which was a morale boosting win, following a tough few weeks at the club.
Rooney, who has recently signed a new £300,000 a week deal at Old Trafford will look to spearhead a United attack, who will be without the injured Robin Van Persie, with the Dutch international out for a month or so with an unfortunate knee injury he sustained in the win over Olympiakos.
The striker has returned to form in recent weeks, with the support of recent signing Juan Mata, and fellow England striker Danny Welbeck.
Manager David Moyes stated before the big fixture.
“We want to try and perform better in the bigger games than what we have done,” Moyes said. “It will be important for us to show the level of what we have got.
“We will do everything we can to win. We go out to win every game, not just the derby game. Obviously it means a lot more to the supporters and the city if you win a derby game.”
United currently sit 7th in the Premier League, nine points off fourth place Arsenal, and five of current Europa League place holders Tottenham Hotspur.
Team news wise for United, Moyes has yet to confirm the fitness of centre backs Jonny Evans, and Rio Ferdinand.
Nemanja Vidic will also be missing as he is suspended, following a sending off in the defeat to Liverpool.
Other than that, Moyes pretty much has a whole squad to pick from for the crunch derby.
However, United will be hoping to get back to winning ways at home, as the Red Devils haven’t won in two Premier League games at Old Trafford.
Focusing on City, and Pellegrini will be hoping his players will be able to contine their current run of form, following a superb 5-0 win at home to relegation favourites Fulham.
The Citizens are unbeaten in eight away matches, winning six of them in a positive first campaign for Manuel Pellegrini.
City can boast a squad full of talent, with Sergio Aguero leading the way with 26 goals, as the free scoring City will look to put another nail in United’s coffin, with a win at Old Trafford.
Yaya Toure continued his fine season with a brilliant hat-trick in the Fulham win, taking his season tally to 20, from a midfield position.
Pellegrini has also confirmed that Sergio Aguero ( knee) and Matija Nastasic are both out of the fixture.
Vincent Kompany will also return to the squad for the game, having served his ban following his Red card against Hully City.
The City boss was rather coy in his conference.
“I don’t think we are favourites in any game,” he said.
“We are in a good moment but we are playing against a big team in their own stadium, so I don’t think we are the favourites.
“Of course we always expect to go and win every game but, I repeat, just because Manchester United have had a difficult season it does not mean we are going to win. We have to go there and play a very good game.”
The Blues head into the game with a superb record against United, having won the last two games at Old Trafford (2-1 and 6-1), and the Sky Blues also won the recent fixture at the Etihad in September, hammering Moyes’ men 4-1.
By Ben Reardon
@BenReardon1
