Manchester United and Manchester City will each be going in search of the local bragging rights when they meet at Old Trafford in the latest instalment of the Manchester derby on Saturday lunchtime.
United, who have not beaten City on their own patch since March 2020, head into the contest with a strong run of form in their sails, winning each of their last eight matches in league and cup. The Reds cruised into the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup in midweek, beating League One side Charlton Athletic 3-0.
Their 3-0 win over the Addicks marked a ninth successive home win for Erik ten Hag's side, meaning they will have ambitions of continuing their excellent record in M16. They have not lost on their own patch since being beaten 1-0 by Real Sociedad in the Europa League on September 8.
READ MORE: Four reasons why United can be optimistic about beating City
City, meanwhile, will make the short hop across town looking to get back to winning ways after Wednesday night's shock Carabao Cup quarter-final defeat to Southampton. Pep Guardiola's side were beaten 2-0, thanks to first half goals from Sekou Mara and Moussa Djenepo.
The Blues were expected to join United in the last-four of the competition, meaning they will be determined to get back to winning ways at the first available opportunity. They have, however, won two of their three Premier League matches since the campaign resumed after the World Cup, beating both Leeds United (3-1) and Chelsea (1-0) away from home.
Form, though, often goes out of the window for both clubs involved on derby day, meaning anything could happen. But how do the pundits think Saturday's Old Trafford showdown will go?
Chris Sutton - BBC Sport
"I am very clear in my mind about how this game will go," Sutton told BBC Sport. "Manchester United have really improved under Erik ten Hag, and I don't think he gets enough credit for their progress since the start of the season.
"There is something not quite right about Manchester City, who have not been firing on all cylinders since the season resumed after the World Cup, but I am still expecting them to win. Some City players like Joao Cancelo and Kyle Walker look out of form, and even Kevin De Bruyne has been below his best, but part of their problem is down to what is known as 'Pep Roulette' - Pep Guardiola's ever-changing team selections.
"He gambled in the Carabao Cup against Southampton on Wednesday, when Kalvin Phillips came into midfield for his first start, and it didn't pay off. Guardiola says he has had some "ridiculous" ideas about how his side will beat United, but I am pretty sure it will include giving Erling Haaland a start. He will play his best side and, if they perform anything like they can do, they will win - it's as simple as that.
"I was very confident City would absolutely smash United in October, and it turned out I didn't go big enough with my prediction - I said 4-1 and it ended up 6-3. It will be a lot closer this time, but Pep will still collect the points."
Prediction: United 1-2 City.
Patrice Evra - Betfair
"United can hurt City, I will never disrespect City, but I think this one is a 50/50 game," Evra told Betfair. "Sometimes though, when City start well and develop their football in the game you can tell it's going to be a long day.
"City are a really, really strong side and it's a big test for us [United]. It's a tough one to predict, [Riyad] Mahrez is on fire for City at the moment. It's a derby so I'm not expecting a big score.
"I can see it being 2-1 to United, but equally it wouldn't be surprising to see City win, it could go either way. It can't be like the last match, they have to learn from that."
Prediction: United 2-1 City.
Paul Merson - Sportskeeda
"This is a big game," Merson told Sportskeeda. "Manchester City have a tight schedule - they'll have to train on Friday and play on Saturday. This is the first time that United are playing against City for a long time when they couldn't be playing any better. Man United are playing with a lot of confidence.
"You'd usually expect Manchester City to wipe the floor with United, but now, I don't see how Manchester United don't score. If they start this game the way Chelsea did last week, they'll have a chance. If they change their game up and sit back, City will break them open.
"I think the next two games will tell you everything about Manchester United. If they get four points from their next two games, they're in the title race. Two draws won't be enough, however, and that just shows you how quickly things can change.
"United have a better shape about them now. [Bruno] Fernandes looks like a completely different player again, and [Marcus] Rashford has taken it on himself to be the man - he's playing the best football of his career. Manchester United play good counter-attacking football and have the pace to really hurt City this weekend."
Prediction: United 2-2 City.
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