Stage set for Barclays EPL’s biggest match

LONDON. — The stage has been set for what is one of the Barclays English Premier League soccer’s biggest match, the Manchester derby pitting defending champions Manchester City against Manchester United at the Etihad Stadium tomorrow.

History favours United, while City are the current title holders and would stop at nothing to defend their crown as well as claim bragging rights. After a wobbly start by United and mixed fortunes for City, there’s much more at stake than bragging rights in this 168th meeting.

FORM GUIDE

Manchester City

League: P9 W5 D2 L2

Hurt by a run of three games without win, Manuel Pellegrini’s side will attempt to reassert their authority against their derby rivals from the first whistle. City blew away a two-goal lead to draw at CSKA Moscow in the Champions League.

At home, they fell six points behind league leaders Chelsea after losing at West Ham United. Adding to their pain, Newcastle United knocked City out of the League Cup with a 2-0 win. However City will be encouraged by last season’s two victories over David Moyes’ United.

Manchester United

League: P9 W3 D4 L2

Louis van Gaal’s side head into this weekend’s blockbuster clash on the back of a 1-1 draw with leaders Chelsea.

United have endured a torrid time away from home so far this season and are six games without a win on the road in the league, their worst run for 18 years. However a win at the Etihad would take them to within a point of their rivals.

TEAM NEWS

Manchester City

Spanish talisman David Silva is a doubtful for the derby after going off against Newcastle with a knee injury. The good news through for City is that tough-as-teak midfielder Yaya Toure is expected to feature despite being substituted in the second half as a precaution over a groin complaint.

Manchester United

Wayne Rooney is available after serving the three-match ban that followed his red card against West Ham and Michael Carrick could start after sitting on the bench against Chelsea and West Brom. Phil Jones is a doubt with shin splints but Jonny Evans, Antonio Valencia and Radamel Falcao could all feature. — AFP.