City take on United in Tuesday nights derby at Old Trafford. For City, the game carries significance at the start of what will likely prove a season-defining run of fixtures. Moyes knows murmurings could intensify if seventh-placed United again come up short at home against a bitter rival following the recent 3-0 home loss to Liverpool. City head to United following four successive Premier League clean sheets and bidding for a third straight victory at Old Trafford in a row. For the first time in the Premier League era, the two will meet with United well and truly out of the title race and City in the thick of it.

Team News

Edin Dzeko looks set to be fit after being taken ill before the Fulham game and Stevan Jovetic should also be available having returned from injury for the final eight minutes on Saturday. Sergio Aguero is still another week away from fitness as he continues his rehabilitation from a hamstring injury. City are boosted by the return from a ban of captain Vincent Kompany,

Moyes will, be buoyed to have Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand available having been forced to deploy Michael Carrick at centre-back versus West Ham.
Vidic is back from suspension and Ferdinand was rested at the weekend.
The pair, so often United's starting pair in recent years, seem certain to battle it out for a spot alongside Phil Jones at the heart of the defence.
At the other end, Moyes will surely deploy Juan Mata behind Wayne Rooney again as Robin van Persie continues to be sidelined.

Stats

- City have won three out of the last four Manchester derbies.

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

- City have won more games away from the Etihad (7) than Manchester United have won at Old Trafford this season.

- A goal has been scored in the past nine games between the two teams, and at least three goals have been scored six out of the last seven meetings.

Photo: Action Images

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