Bookies expect another blue day

Fierce local derbies are so often too close – and too crucial – to call, but today the bookmakers anticipate a City stroll for Pep Guardiola’s men.

As such, the reigning Premier League champions have been chalked up at heavily odds-on with a Manchester United win bigger than an 8/1 shot.

• Man City win 1/4
• Draw 11/2
• Man Utd win 17/2

Odds from Paddy Power correct at time of post publication.

It’s derby day in Manchester

Good afternoon and welcome to live SunSport coverage of Manchester City against Manchester United in the Premier League.

As ever, the bragging rights are huge, but this clash between neighbours is absolutely crucial to matters at the top of the table.

After Liverpool’s last-gasp success yesterday, the onus is back on the reigning champions to keep the gap at a single point with 11 games remaining.

City would only do that with a home win, but this is a derby just as important to the immediate future of Manchester United.

The Red Devils have lost ground in their fight for Champions League football with last week’s deserved defeat to Fulham compounded by Aston Villa and Tottenham clawing out victories this weekend.

With Sir Jim Ratcliffe now confirmed as co-owner of the club, expectations have risen – and that means starting today with a performance worthy of a local derby.

It’s a 3.30pm kick-off at the Etihad Stadium, and we’ll soon have confirmation of the two starting line-ups.