It's the match that needs no hype, a derby clash which will go a long way to deciding the destination of the Premier League crown.

United know that if they avoid defeat at Eastlands they will be overwhelming favourites to secure a 20th league championship. Win on enemy ground and Sir Alex Ferguson will need just a point from the remaining two games to enable the title celebrations to begin.

Roberto Mancini may continually insist there is no title race, but such has been the reversal in fortunes this month that the destination of the trophy is in the hands of City as much as it is United. Victory for the home side and they will surely be champions if they win their remaining two fixtures due to superior goal difference.

United could be accused of taking their foot off the gas after a run of eight consecutive wins put them eight points clear following City's loss on April 8. Since then the Red Devils have lost at Wigan and thrown away a two goal lead to draw 4-4 at home to Everton. Now United can feel City's breath on the back of their necks.

Sir Alex Ferguson's side have conceded 19 goals at home this term, only the 10th-best defensive record in the Premier League, after conceding 12 last season. That includes the infamous 6-1 thrashing at the hands of City in October. In total contrast to last season it is United's away form which has kept them in the running, so far winning 12 games on the road compared to five in 2010-11. But it is at home where City have found comfort during a troubled run-in, dropping two points across the entire season.

After a couple of indifferent displays Rafael could lose his place and either Phil Jones or Chris Smalling come in. Ryan Giggs could add extra experience alongside Paul Scholes in the centre of the park.

Mario Balotelli is available after suspension but Sergio Aguero and former Manchester United man Carlos Tevez are expected to spearhead the attack. Defender Micah Richards (hamstring) is fit again after missing last week's win at Wolves.

Man City player to watch: Yaya Toure. The powerhouse in the centre of the park, Toure has been a colossus all season. The scourge of United 12 months ago when he scored the winning goal in the FA Cup semi-final, Toure will again look to take command of this encounter.

Man United player to watch: Paul Scholes. If Yaya Toure's performance will be crucial to the home side, Paul Scholes is likely to be even more important for United. Last week's 4-4 draw with Everton saw United fail to win in the Premier League with Scholes in the starting line-up for the first time since he came out of retirement. United would take another draw here, however.

Key battle: Carlos Tevez v Rio Ferdinand One-time team-mates turned enemies in what could prove to be a feisty derby encounter, Ferdinand has proved his doubters wrong to go from United squad player to defensive lynchpin and likely mainstay of England's defence at Euro 2012. With Carlos Tevez now back in the team and among the goals, Ferdinand will have to use his knowledge of the Argentine's game to keep him at bay.

Trivia: There have been six red cards in Premier League Manchester derbies, five of them going to United.

Stats: Manchester United have lost only one of their last five Premier League trips to Eastlands and they also defeated Man City there earlier this season in the FA Cup (3-2).

Match

Am a huge United fan but am definately not watching this. I have a fragile heart. Will follow it here on NL,and prolly,if the sky is red,i'l tune in around 75mins.

United had better win (even if na by PDP tactics :d), or else...



If man shitty wins all them chelsea ashawoo supporters go decamp come dey make noise disturb us.

i hope i will not see ashley dive today with webb awaring them a silly spotkick. I'm supporting man u though. can't imagine nasri winning a trophy before us

Is dis a amack down or what?

United is batter ....

Mumbai Escorts

United sure banker

6-1 is my favourite score. What chance again tomorrow United fans

PDP aside, City wins. . .
.
*takes cover under a table*
.
#truthhurts

dabrake: i hope i will not see ashley dive today with webb awaring them a silly spotkick. I'm supporting man u though. can't imagine nasri winning a trophy before us

City all the way. Tevez, Aguero and Yaya to banging the goals. Fagbo will only show back

[quote author=mukina2]Man City player to watch: Yaya Toure. The powerhouse in the centre of the park, Toure has been a colossus all season. The scourge of United 12 months ago when he scored the winning goal in the FA Cup semi-final, Toure will again look to take command of this encounter.

quote]

Hmmm, mmmm mmmm
Mukina2 Mukina2 Mukina2

How many times I call you so?

If man-city jst manage to loose today...... Mancini should jst walk away, b4 he gets fired...... Sebi him see guardiola....

Man United all d way !!!

I hope is not there hit man Webb that will refree the match! This man has clearly shown that he belong to PDP party.
Man C 3 MAN U 1

I pray make ashley young no turn man city 18yards box into swimmin pool.

Manchester city should win this I want united feel the pain of going trophyless in a season

I'd love Man City to win today's match.

@ adetayo: Trophyless? At least I don carry community shield this season... dat one nkan?

I jus made a bet in support of a United win..not much sha,but enof! And am beggin d FA,even if na PDP,allow us WIN!

The FINALS of this Premiership !!! The best team wins... And the team is .......

goldng: The FINALS of this Premiership !!! The best team wins... And the team is .......

na u sabi. . .

Adetayo100: Manchester city should win this I want united feel the pain of going trophyless in a season

..Queen will fire everybody lol.........

Am just wondering how many viewers and pages will be on this topic when d game starts...

The final of finals for the premiership.
A real 'Game of Thrones' in the manchester derby.

i watch the ball yesterday and city wins......

All hail the Red devils. us. we re Manchester united and Manchester united is us. we remain united. all Manchester united fans in the house give a loud shout..... H-U-R-R-A-Y. Na we get the cup. nothing will stop it from happening. Chelsea fc go carry champions league. all hail the EPL

If it is based on overall performance this season or even on performance in recent weeks, then Man City will win 3 - 1. I predict a Man City win and they will go on and win the trophy so that they can become the dominant team in Manchester. (Coming from a Chelsea fan)