Manchester United vs Manchester City preview: Derby day could prove crucial for title aspirations of both clubs

A look ahead to the Premier League match at Old Trafford

(Getty Images)

It’s a big game for…

Wayne Rooney: The England striker answered his critics with a well taken goal against Everton last weekend but needs to build on this performance if he is to convince sceptics he can still play as a striker at the highest level. A goal against United’s local rivals would certainly restore some confidence.

Best stat…

5

The number of years since a Manchester derby ended in a draw. Each of their last 12 encounters has seen a victor, with at least three goals scored in nine of those games.

Remember when…

Wayne Rooney scored the winning goal with a stunning overhead kick as Manchester United ran out 2-1 winners at Old Trafford in 2011. A relatively tame affair looked set to end in a draw before Rooney, with ten minutes on the clock, produced a memorable goal to end City’s hopes of a title challenge.

Player to watch…

Kevin De Bruyne: The £55 million playmaker has scored or assisted goals in seven of his last eight games. De Bruyne has swapped positions with Raheem Sterling in Man City’s last two matches, and the two are beginning to build an interesting relationship on the left.

Past three-meetings…

Manchester United 4 (Young, Fellaini, Mata, Smalling) Manchester City 2 (Aguero 2)
Premier League, April 2015

Manchester City 1 (Aguero) Manchester United 0
Premier League, November 2014

Manchester United 0 Manchester City 3 (Dzeko 2, Toure)
Premier League, March 2014

Form guide…

Manchester United: WWWLWD

Manchester City: WLWWWW

Vital information…

Kick-off: 2:05pm, Sunday 25 October

TV: Live on Sky Sports 1, highlights on Match of the Day, BBC1