Manchester United will be looking to make a statement when they host Man City at Old Trafford in the Premier League today.
Erik ten Hag's side have been in excellent form since they returned to competitive action following the World Cup, but know they face an even tougher test against their noisy neighbours.
United have conceded 12 goals in their last three Premier League meetings with City, including six in their meeting at the Etihad Stadium in October. It's as many goals as they'd shipped against them in their 12 previous meetings combined.
In terms of early team news, Diogo Dalot is not available, and Anthony Martial will undergo a late fitness test. Wout Weghorst has not been registered in time to play.
This is how MEN writers think United should line up.
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Samuel Luckhurst
Wan-Bissaka has to start in Dalot's absence and Ten Hag has to reunite Varane and Martinez. The former is United's most important player and got injured at 1-0 at the Etihad three months ago.
Provided Martial is available, the rest of the team picks itself. If Martial is out, then Garnacho should come in, with Rashford moving up front. It would not be ideal shifting Rashford when he is in such fabulous form but there is no threatening alternative.
Tyrone Marshall
With the form United have been in recently it feels like this is a team that basically picks itself. The loss of Dalot isn't as worrying as it might have been a month ago, with Wan-Bissaka doing well when stepping in as cover recently. Varane and Shaw are certain starters and Martinez got the minutes under his belt in midweek to be ready to try and take on Haaland.
The midfield is certainly an easy selection. Casemiro hadn't yet started in the Premier League for United when the derby was played a the Etihad, but now he's the first name on the team sheet and his partnership with Eriksen and Fernandes has been excellent. They could finally go toe-to-toe with a City midfield.
Martial needs a late fitness test but if he can even get through 55 minutes he's worth a start having scored twice in the 6-3 defeat to City in October. That would allow Rashford to start in his best position on the left and Antony can begin on the right.
Rich Fay
United's defence has been the backbone of their recent run of form, and there is no room for risk in this match with Dalot already missing out.
There is a fair argument for Fred to start in midfield given his energetic approach, though it would be harsh on Eriksen to drop out given how good he has been for most of the season.
Rashford is far better from the left, but the lack of attacking options might require that he be repurposed through the middle. Antony starts on the right and Garnacho is the best back-up option from the left.
The Manchester Derby will be broadcast in the UK on BT Sport 1 and will also be available to stream through the BT Sport website.
