Preview: Man Utd vs. Man City

This afternoon's big game pits Manchester United against Manchester City, with a win for Man City sending them five points clear at the top; a win for their rivals would see United overtake them. Old Trafford is sure to be rocking this afternoon.

Manchester City look to have finally got it right after a busy three years of rebuilding their team full of some of the best talent from around the world. It's taken two owners, four managers and several hundred million pounds to construct this very dangerous looking side.

United, on the other hand, have arguably the best manager in history in Sir Alex Ferguson. The 'newest breed' of players coming through, with the likes of Tom Cleverley and Danny Welbeck easily gelling into the team, shows that Ferguson has the perfect recipe for developing great footballing sides.

The last game between these two took place back in August, when Man Utd won 3-2 at Wembley in the season's opener, the Community Shield.

Since then, it has proved difficult to separate these two. Both have been as devastating as they have been exciting to watch.

Man City have scored at least two goals in every league game this year, whilst United are unbeaten in their last 25 home matches.

This is sure to throw up some interesting individual battles as well, as Rio Ferdinand prepares to tussle yet again with Mario Balotelli.

SQUADS

United are still missing Rafael and Tom Cleverley, but there are no fresh injury concerns. City, on the other hand, can return to action after European suspension.

FORM

United have not lost in their last 25 league games, while Man City have been devastating on their travels this year, scoring 14 goals away from home.

PREDICTION

Man Utd 1-1 Man City

- For all talk of the two top teams in the division, we expect this game to be quite a closed shop affair with the defence of each team ready to do their job.

FIRST GOALSCORER:

Wayne Rooney