The Manchester derby is one of the fiercest rivalries in world football.
Despite their struggles this season, Manchester City and Manchester United are among the biggest clubs in the country and there will be hundreds of millions of pounds worth of talent on show at the Etihad Stadium.
But who has the better players? Does red or blue come out on top when their stars are judged by Sportsmail’s High Court?
Scroll down to find out…
Goalkeeper: Joe Hart vs David de Gea
The Manchester United goalkeeper has established himself as one of the best stoppers in the Barclays Premier League. He has transformed from the lightweight youngster who joined the club to a heavyweight of the side who is often relied upon to keep them in matches. Manchester City’s Joe Hart, in comparison, is too prone to mistakes and his position in the team is all-too often questioned.
VERDICT: Hart 8/10 De Gea 9
David De Gea has enjoyed a fine start to the season in goal for Manchester United
+6
David De Gea has enjoyed a fine start to the season in goal for Manchester United
Right back: Pablo Zabaleta vs Rafael
One of the best full-backs in the world. Rafael pails in comparison to the Argentine who tirelessly runs up and down that flank all game. He is almost as important to the attack as he is their defence, whereas the Manchester United right back is a liability. There is no doubt in this one.
VERDICT: Zabaleta 8 Rafael 6
Centre back: Vincent Kompany vs Chris Smalling
Neither defence has covered themselves in glory this season, with City conceding too many soft goals, but United’s centre of defence has been terrible for much of the season. Kompany is much better than Smalling, that’s all there is to it.
VERDICT: Kompany 9 Smalling 6
Centre back: Martin Demichelis vs Marcos Rojo
Demichelis was a liability for part of last season but rallied and is now seen as a safe option at the heart of City’s defence. Rojo is a better full back than a centre half and seems to struggle with the physicality of the Premier League.
VERDICT: Demichelis 7 Rojo 6
Manchester City stalwarts Pablo Zabaleta (left) and Vicent Kompany (right) both make our backline
+6
Manchester City stalwarts Pablo Zabaleta (left) and Vicent Kompany (right) both make our backline
+6
Manchester City stalwarts Pablo Zabaleta (left) and Vicent Kompany (right) both make our backline
Left back: Gael Clichy vs Luke Shaw
Shaw has had a troubled start to his career at United, struggling for fitness and with injury, but since he has got back into the side he is starting to find the form that made him the best young full back in the country. City’s Gael Clichy has looked slow and off-the-pace recently, and lacks the ability of Shaw even when fully fit.
VERDICT: Clichy 7 Shaw 8
Midfielder: Fernando vs Daley Blind
Blind, at United, can seemingly play anywhere but is making a strong case for being a regular holding midfielder. He can screen the back four as well as join the attack to do damage to opponents. Fernando seems to have struggled a bit since his arrival at City.
VERDICT: Fernando 7 Blind 8
Midfielder: James Milner vs Michael Carrick
Milner has had a very good start to the season and has been rewarded with starts in the majority of City’s matches. His energy is very useful to Pellegrini. This would be Carrick’s first match of the season but when he’s on form he makes United tick.
VERDICT: Milner 7 Carrick 7
Midfielder: Yaya Toure vs Marouane Fellaini
The battle of the big men in midfield. Even if he is well off his usual form this season, Toure is one of the league’s powerhouses and there is always the potential for a goal from nowhere. Fellaini seems to have turned a corner after his goal at West Brom and lung-busting performance against Chelsea. Toure is still his better, however.
VERDICT: Toure 8 Fellaini 7
Yaya Toure has been below par this season but still makes our team
+6
Yaya Toure has been below par this season but still makes our team
Attacking midfielder: Samir Nasri vs Angel Di Maria
The Argentine has been played on either flank for United and creates magic with either foot. Although what he produces is no illusion – he can pick out a man with a pass or score from virtually anywhere and his pace can take him away from opponents. Nasri is more of a touch player and sometimes seems to go missing – but can also produce a goal or a pass from nothing.
VERDICT: Nasri 8 Di Maria 9
Striker: Edin Dzeko vs Robin van Persie
Both cost more than £25m but are their club’s secondary striker. Neither centre forward has fired this season – Dzeko has scored just twice in the Premier League (although one was a beauty at Hull) and Van Persie has looked off-colour since the World Cup, although United will hope the last-gasp equaliser against Chelsea will galvanise the Dutchman.
VERDICT: Dzeko 7 Van Persie 8
Striker: Sergio Aguero vs Wayne Rooney
Now on to the talismanic centre forwards. Aguero’s record this season speaks for itself: 11 goals in 13 games in all competitions, eight goals in his last seven, joint-top scorer in the Premier League with nine. Although less prolific this season, Rooney will be champing at the bit after his three-match suspension and will lead United’s attack
VERDICT: Aguero 9 Rooney 8
Wayne Rooney is back from suspension and selected in the No 10 role in our formation
+6
City’s Sergio Aguero pips United’s Radamel Falcao to the striking role in our 4-2-3-1 system
+6
Wayne Rooney (left) and Sergio Aguero will be the main men in attack on Sunday
Source Dailymail
