Manchester United v Manchester City: Premier League match preview

A look ahead to the midweek Premier League fixture at Old Trafford

David Moyes manager of Manchester United (L) and Manuel Pellegrini manager of Manchester City (GETTY IMAGES)

Two of English footballs greatest rivals go head to head on Tuesday night at Old Trafford, and both sides will go into the fixture with positive frames of mind following convincing victories over the weekend.

Back to back victories over West Ham and Olympiakos will have eased some of the pressure surrounding United boss David Moyes, and the Scot will be hoping that victory over Manuel Pellegrini’s title chasers will be a shining moment in what has been a difficult first season since taking over from Sir Alex.

However, the boys from the Etihad will certainly have other ideas. With leaders Chelsea firmly in their sights, Pellegrini’s side will be hoping to close the six point gap that separates them and will be filled with confidence following the 5-0 drubbing of Fulham on Saturday.

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Both sides will be without arguably their leading strikers, as Robin Van Persie and Sergio Aguero will miss the clash due to injury. Howver, they will both be buoyed by the returns of stalwarts Rio Ferdinand and Vincent Kompany, both no strangers to fierce Manchester derbies.

KICK-OFF: Tuesday, 7.45pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS…

Man City 4 (Aguero 2, Toure, Nasri) Man Utd 1 (Rooney), Premier League, September 2013

Man Utd 1 (Kompany OG) Man City 2 (Milner, Aguero), Premier League, April 2013

Man City 2 (Toure, Zabaleta) Man Utd 3 (Rooney 2, Van Persie), Premier League, December 2012

STATS…

Man City have won three of the previous four Manchester derbies.

Man Utd lead the all-time record winning 69, drawing 50 and losing just 46.

Wayne Rooney is the top scorer in the fixture with 11 goals.

Man City have won more games away from the Etihad (7) than Man Utd have won at Old Trafford (6) this season.

There have been at least three goals in six of the previous seven meetings between the two.

ODDS…

Manchester United to win: 3.45

Manchester City to win: 2.24

Draw: 3.7

TV: Live on Sky Sports 1 at 7.45pm.