Man U vs Man City, van Persie will miss Sunday's derby

Manchester United striker Robin van Persie will miss Sunday's derby

MATCH PREVIEW

Welcome to Manchester - this season more likely to be a 'key marginal' rather than the seat of the Premier League title, as it has been for the last four years and seven of the last eight.
As the national picture turns a darker shade of blue, City's problems are of a local nature too, with a significant swing to the reds that has seen United go above them in the table for the first time all season.
United have 11 points more than at the same stage a year ago, whilst City have mustered nine fewer.
Failure to get back above the opposition in May will surely see their supporters call for a change of leadership!
Manager Louis van Gaal may name the same team which began last weekend's win against Aston Villa.
Manchester City will assess captain Vincent Kompany, who has a hamstring injury and remains doubtful.
Wilfried Bony is sidelined by ankle and knee problems, while Dedryck Boyata and Stevan Jovetic will also miss out.
City boss Manuel Pellegrini said: "It is always better to play with Kompany but if, for different reasons, he cannot play we have a squad and he must be replaced."
The Chilean manager admitted that 2015 "is not a good year for us" but claimed "we are not a disaster, we're not a mess" as his side aim for a fifth successive victory over their local rivals.
"They dominated the league for so many years but one time Sir Alex Ferguson said the neighbours are disturbing them a little bit more - so I say that's double motivation for us," added Pellegrini.
Asked about winning his first Manchester derby, Van Gaal replied: "I dream of it, every player shall dream of the victory."
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head

• Manchester City can claim five successive league wins against Manchester United for the first time.
• It would also be the first time a Premier League side has won five in a row against United.
• City have won six of the last seven Premier League meetings.
• They have also won on their last three visits to Old Trafford, scoring a total of 11 goals.

Manchester United

• Since losing to Manchester City on 2 November, the Red Devils have suffered just two defeats in 21 league games (W15, D4).
• United have claimed 40 points at home - more than any other Premier League side.
• They are chasing a sixth consecutive league win.
• Wayne Rooney has 170 league goals for United. Only Denis Law (171), Jack Rowley (182) and Sir Bobby Charlton (199) have scored more.
• Against Aston Villa, Angel Di Maria became the second player to reach 10 Premier League assists this season (after Cesc Fabregas).

Manchester City

• City have lost their last three Premier League away games. A fourth defeat would represent their worst run on the road since a sequence of seven straight losses in 2006.
• They have not kept a clean sheet away from home in eight league and cup matches since 13 December.
• Sergio Aguero has five goals in six league games against Manchester United.
• However, Aguero has only netted three times in his last 12 top-flight appearances - with two of those goals penalties.