Sunday afternoon will see two Premier League giants collide at Old Trafford as United host City in what will be a fiery Manchester derby.
United, who are eight points behind their local rivals, have to start clawing back the deficit and a win this weekend would reignite the title race.
Both clubs have splashed during the past few years as Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola have assembled teams containing the likes of Paul Pogba, Romelu Lukaku, Kyle Walker and Gabriel Jesus.
But which side will put out the best starting line-up on Sunday? Sportsmail takes a look at the two expected XIs.
Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola will do battle at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon
Goalkeepers
David de Gea – The Spaniard has shown time and time again that he is among the world’s best three goalkeepers along with Manuel Neuer and Thibaut Courtois. His recent display against Arsenal was his best in a Red Devils shirt and if he can replicate that display then United may have a chance of keeping Sergio Aguero, Gabriel Jesus and Co at bay. 9/10
Ederson – Manchester City’s No 1 has taken to the Premier League with relative ease following his summer move from Benfica. The £35million signing appears to have filled the void left by Joe Hart after Claudio Bravo failed to live up to his reputation. 7/10
David de Gea is among the best goalkeepers in world football while Ederson has impressed
Right backs
Antonio Valencia – Signed as a marauding winger, Valencia is now one of the first names on Mourinho’s teamsheet and is the Portuguese’s captain due to Michael Carrick’s absence. His defensive capabilities have been questioned in the past but his manager is getting the best out of him. 8/10
Kyle Walker – Tottenham’s loss has been Manchester City’s gain with the north London outfit strengthening their rivals during the summer transfer window by selling one of the Premier League’s most consistent full backs. Walker has made the right back berth his own for club and country. 8/10
Centre backs
Chris Smalling – He started the season off on the bench but is now first choice due to Eric Bailly and Phil Jones being sidelined through injury. Smalling appears to have been buoyed by Gareth Southgate’s decision to publicly criticise his passing ability. 7/10
Vincent Kompany – The Belgian was once the Premier League’s most reliable centre back but now struggles with pace. Mourinho is likely to target the 31-year-old by instructing both Anthony Martial and Romelu Lukaku to run at the injury-prone defender. 7/10
Centre backs
Marcos Rojo – If Mourinho decides to deploy a back four then Marcos Rojo is likely to be given the nod ahead of Victor Lindelof despite the Swede’s recent fine form. Rojo’s long-term injury doesn’t appear to have fazed the hard tackling Argentine. 7/10
Nicolas Otamendi – The former Valencia man looked like he was going to struggle in the Premier League when he joined Manchester City in 2015. However he is now settled in the heart of City’s defence and has added goals to his game with Otamendi scoring against Watford, Burnley, Napoli and West Ham this season. 7/10
Marcos Rojo has looked assured at centre back despite only just coming back from injury
Left backs
Ashley Young – Mourinho is said to be scouring the market for a new left back as Luke Shaw, Daley Blind and Matteo Darmian have all failed to make the spot their own. One man who has impressed on the left-hand side of United’s defence in recent weeks is Young as the Englishman, like Valencia, has made the transition from winger to full back with ease. 7/10
Fabian Delph – Guardiola has put his faith in Delph replacing long-term absentee Benjamin Mendy. Like Young, Delph will put in committed, professional displays but he’s still not entirely comfortable in the position. 7/10
Defensive midfielders
Nemanja Matic – Chelsea’s decision to sell Matic to Manchester United is still leaving pundits scratching their heads in confusion. The reigning Premier League champions have strengthened a title rival much to Mourinho’s delight. 8/10
Fernandinho – Manchester City’s Mr Dependable has been at the club for four years and appears to be getting better with age. The Brazilian has earned the trust of Guardiola by forming a solid base in front of City defence. 8/10
Central midfielders
Ander Herrera – The Spaniard was named Manchester United’s player of the year last season but has lost his place in Mourinho’s preferred starting line-up. With Paul Pogba out due to suspension, Herrera is likely to be deployed in a three-man midfield and will be tasked with stopping Kevin De Bruyne. 6/10
Kevin De Bruyne – Manchester City’s playmaker has taken his game to another level this season with the Belgian racking up the goals and assists this season. Mourinho will have to find a way of minimising De Bruyne’s threat otherwise the midfielder will run riot. 9/10
Kevin De Bruyne has been in outstanding form for Manchester City throughout the season
Central midfielders
Marouane Fellaini – If Fellaini is fully fit, Mourinho may play the towering Belgian in a three-man midfield alongside Matic and Herrera. His height will benefit United in both boxes and he is a useful weapon if Mourinho needs to change his side to play a more direct style of football. 6/10
David Silva – Despite De Bruyne’s continued rise, Silva is still the man who makes City tick with his neat passes to the forward line. Guardiola has hinted Silva could miss the game but Mourinho believes his managerial rival is playing mind games. 8/10
Right wingers
Jesse Lingard – Marcus Rashford would have started a must-win game for United a few weeks ago but Lingard is in terrific form and cannot be left out of Sunday’s clash. His double against Arsenal proved to be crucial and Mourinho will be hoping for the same again. 6/10
Raheem Sterling – Southgate will be delighted at seeing Sterling’s rapid progression this season with the England ace scoring goals for fun in recent weeks. United will be wary of the winger during the final few minutes because the former Liverpool man has scored late winners Napoli, Feyenoord, Huddersfield and Southampton in the past month. 9/10
Left wingers
Anthony Martial – The Frenchman has been in and out of United’s starting line-up this season but he’s the man of the moment in the red half of Manchester ahead of the derby. Walker will have to be at his best to stop the lively winger. 8/10
Leroy Sane – He had to bide his time but Sane is now very much City’s first choice right winger in Guardiola’s side. He has six goals and six assists in the Premier League this season. 8/10
Raheem Sterling is Manchester City’s man of the moment due to his late goals for the club
Centre forwards
Romelu Lukaku – Manchester United’s £89m forward has to add consistency to his game if he is to become a Premier League great. He will have gained confidence from his goal in the Champions League on Tuesday but now has to deliver in a vital game for his club. 7/10
Sergio Aguero – The Argentine is the man for the big occasion and Sunday definitely falls into that category. For that reason he is likely to get the nod over Gabriel Jesus as City’s lone striker. 9/10
Sergio Aguero scores goals on a regular basis while Romelu Lukaku needs to find consistency
MANCHESTER UNITED – 79/110
MANCHESTER CITY – 87/110