David Silva confident as Manchester derby looms

David Silva has warned Manchester United they will come off second-best in the Manchester derby at Eastlands tonight.

Manchester City go into the match in confident mood after ending a run of three successive defeats at West Brom, and the former Valencia forward makes his derby debut expecting to pick up a win bonus.

A win over their nearest rivals would see City move on to the same points tally as United.

Silva said: "This is a game we believe we can win. This is a hugely important match for us.

"We know a victory would put us on the same points as they are. We are at home and will have our supporters behind us so the advantage is with us. We need to use the atmosphere and take the game to them."

Silva added on http://www.mcfc.co.uk: "I watched the Manchester derby as a boy and have always enjoyed it since. But I never imagined I'd be actually playing in it.

"I always thought I would play my football in Spain so this is very exciting for me and I am very happy to be part of it."

United held the upper hand last season with back-to-back victories in the league thanks to late goals from Michael Owen in the first game and then Paul Scholes in the second.

City were left cursing their luck in the Carling Cup semi-final as well after a 2-1 first-leg victory.

United, however, secured their passage to Wembley thanks to a stoppage-time winner from Wayne Rooney in the return.

Manager Roberto Mancini believes City deserve respect from their fierce rivals despite their 34-year stint without a trophy.

"Not just United, but all the clubs must respect the players and the history of City," said the Italian. "In the last years, City haven't won anything, but they have a good history.

"We have respect for United and we want them to have it for us always. The number of trophies [a team has won] isn't important. Respect is more important.

"I think they know that now we are a strong team. I think that the situation has changed. We are very respectful of United.

"We are respectful of Fergie because he is the top manager in the world.

"But we understand that we can always beat them now. That's why think it will be a good game between two great sides."

Mancini could be short of attacking options as Mario Balotelli is suspended after being sent off at The Hawthorns following a brace while Emmanuel Adebayor has a calf problem.