Manchester City vs Manchester United: Premier League match preview

A look ahead to this weekend's Premier League fixture at the Etihad Stadium

(Getty Images)

Louis van Gaal will contest his first Manchester derby when Manchester United visit Manchester City.

LIVE: MAN CITY VS MAN UTD LATEST

Having managed in an El Clasico (as Barcelona boss against Real Madrid), De Klassieker (Ajax versus Feyernood) and Der Klassiker (Bayern Munich against Dortmund), Van Gaal is no stranger to Europe’s greatest rivalries.

Manchester has seen a shift in power from blue to red in recent years; City winning four of their last five meetings against United offering proof of that.

And with United making their worst start to a Premier League season, picking up just 13 points from nine games, it may be another year of watching City contest for a second league title in three years for United.

Newcastle’s 2-0 win at the Etihad in the Capital One Cup was City’s second defeat in five days following Saturday’s 2-1 loss at Upton Park. The defeat to West Ham enabled Chelsea to extend their lead over City to six points – although the Citizens have Robin van Persie to thank for not making it an eight point gap.

Manuel Pellegrini’s side appear to be in a mini-crisis, but they have beaten United in their last three meetings.

KICK-OFF: Sunday, 1.30pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS…

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

Manchester City 4 (Aguero (2), Toure, Nasri) Manchester United 1 (Rooney), Premier League, September 2013

Manchester United 1 (Kompany OG) Manchester City 2 (Milner, Aguero), Premier League, April 2013

STATS…

Edin Dzeko scored the third-fastest goal in derby history when he netted after 44 seconds in last year’s win at Old Trafford.

The home side has won just two of the last seven meetings in all competitions.

Sergio Aguero’s tally of nine league goals is the combined total of Wayne Rooney’s, Angel di Maria’s and Robin van Persie’s.

Wayne Rooney is the top scorer in derby history, netting 11 goals against City in all competitions.

ODDS…

Man City to win: 1.93

Man United to win: 4.5

Draw: 3.95

CLASSIC MOMENT/MATCH

More than three years have passed since United last tasted victory over their rivals at Old Trafford, and what a memorable win it was. In February 2011 United were just five points ahead of City and, after David Silva’s equaliser in the 65th minute, looked set to miss the chance to widen the gap. However in the 78th minute, Wayne Rooney won the game for United with a magical bicycle kick that will never be erased from derby folklore.

TV: Live on Sky Sports 1 at 1.30pm, highlights on BBC2 at 10pm.