Optimism on the red half of Manchester is growing ahead of Saturday's lunchtime derby at Old Trafford.
Manchester United can close to within one point of the champions if they extend their winning run to five games. Erik ten Hag's side were humiliated when these two sides last met as Manchester City hit six past their neighbours with Erling Haaland and Phil Foden both bagging hat-tricks.
Some of Ten Hag's selection decisions copped criticism that afternoon at the Etihad and he may opt to make certain changes. Casemiro was named on the bench but the Brazilian, who continues to grow in importance, will almost certainly be deployed to break up City's rhythm.
He is likely to be partnered by Christian Eriksen with Bruno Fernandes playing in a slightly advanced role. Tyrell Malacia was one of the men to be hooked at half-time in the last derby with Luke Shaw coming in to replace him. The England full-back is likely to play from the start this time but Diogo Dalot has been ruled out, which opens the door for Aaron Wan-Bissaka
Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez, the recognised centre-half partnership nowadays at Old Trafford, are poised to continue their partnership. Despite talk of his workload and the need to add another striker, Anthony Martial has an injury issue with a late decision to be made on his involvement.
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Antony, who bagged a sensational strike and scored in the last derby, is poised to support him alongside Marcus Rashford, who is enjoying a purple patch. He came off the bench to score a late brace as United saw off Charlton in the Carabao Cup in midweek.
Marcus Rashford comes into the derby in excellent form (Offside via Getty Images)It means Rashford has now scored in eight consecutive home games and has a chance to equal the club-record when he runs out on Saturday. United have already seen off the likes of Arsenal and Tottenham on their own patch with Brighton the only side to leave the red half of Manchester with all three points this term. Newcastle are the only other side to avoid defeat at Old Trafford.
Ten Hag said ahead of the match: "We have to prove that tomorrow on the pitch. Last time we didn't do well and we have to do it better. It has been a process in the last months where we have developed. We have to be brave, have to believe and have to play our game."
"I think that game was a setback, it is always about you have to act, to deliver. You have to go through certain steps, you need a clear vision, a clear point where you want to go...a direction. Then it is about development."
Man Utd's predicted line-up: De Gea, Wan-Bissaka, Martinez, Varane, Shaw, Casemiro, Eriksen, Fernandes, Antony, Martial, Rashford
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