Joe Hart: Number
two Willy Caballero has done nothing to apply pressure. Even if he
had, Hart is in good form, as proved by several fine saves against
Tottenham recently. 9/10David de Gea: In the form of his life having slowly matured into a top-class keeper. So much more decisive now when coming for crosses and a brilliant shot-stopper. 9/10
Pablo Zabaleta: Remains one of the best right-backs around. And if Angel di Maria plays on his side, that should be a fantastic battle. A feisty defender who times his forward runs beautifully. 9
Rafael: A
weak link at the back. The Brazilian can be rash in his
decision-making and tackling. On the plus side, he is quick on the turn
and blessed with great competitive spirit. 6
Vincent Kompany:
Still one of the most impressive central defenders in the world. But
his standards have dropped a little lately, with Eliaquim Mangala's
uncertainty perhaps affecting his form. 9
Vincent Kompany:
Still one of the most impressive central defenders in the world. But
his standards have dropped a little lately, with Eliaquim Mangala's
uncertainty perhaps affecting his form. 9
Chris Smalling: A
solid display against Chelsea should give confidence to a central
defender sometimes short of the stuff. But must curb the habit of
grappling his opponent at corners. 7
Martin Demichelis:
With Mangala struggling, the more experienced Argentine might be
preferred. Has largely cut out those errors that blighted his early
days but can still be exposed for pace. 7
Martin Demichelis:
With Mangala struggling, the more experienced Argentine might be
preferred. Has largely cut out those errors that blighted his early
days but can still be exposed for pace. 7
Marcos Rojo: Yet
to convince as a commanding centre half, though he has, in fairness,
had to contend with untold changes at the back. Needs time to come to
terms with the Premier League. 6
Gael Clichy: Certainly
needs to do a lot better than he did against West Ham when partly at
fault for both goals. Quick and sharp, he might get some room in front
to join the attacks. 7
Gael Clichy: Certainly
needs to do a lot better than he did against West Ham when partly at
fault for both goals. Quick and sharp, he might get some room in front
to join the attacks. 7
Luke Shaw: Yet to show the form of
his Southampton days but a run of games is now helping him to settle.
Must make sure he stays in touch with Rojo when City look for gaps on
that side. 7
Fernando: Along
with Mangala, it has been a difficult start to his City career. But
this no-nonsense defensive midfielder must be on his toes when
United's creative talent drifts his way. 7
Daley Blind: Talking of canny football brains, Blind certainly has one of those, even if he isn't the quickest when asked to run. Interesting to see how he dovetails with Carrick. 7
Daley Blind: Talking of canny football brains, Blind certainly has one of those, even if he isn't the quickest when asked to run. Interesting to see how he dovetails with Carrick. 7
Jesus Navas:
Rather than the ever-reliable James Milner, this speedy winger could
get the nod to try and pin back Luke Shaw with his direct brand of
running. 7
Ander Herrera: Marouane Fellaini would be unlucky to miss out but Herrera's superior mobility and craft might be preferred as a way of supplying Van Persie up top. 7
Ander Herrera: Marouane Fellaini would be unlucky to miss out but Herrera's superior mobility and craft might be preferred as a way of supplying Van Persie up top. 7
Yaya Toure: His
form has veered wildly between good and bad, with those trademark
surges less prevalent. But groin strain permitting, his team needs him
here to get a grip of that middle ground. 7
Michael Carrick: What a game in which to make your first appearance of the season. But Carrick's game intelligence will be appreciated by Louis van Gaal, not to mention his team-mates. 7
Michael Carrick: What a game in which to make your first appearance of the season. But Carrick's game intelligence will be appreciated by Louis van Gaal, not to mention his team-mates. 7
Samir Nasri: After
only returning on Wednesday for an hour against Newcastle, it would
be a big call to include the Frenchman. In David Silva's absence,
though, City need Nasri's guile. 8
Angel di Maria: A little subdued against Chelsea having pretty much torn the place up in all previous outings. A real danger to City with his swashbuckling runs and fantastic delivery. 9
Angel di Maria: A little subdued against Chelsea having pretty much torn the place up in all previous outings. A real danger to City with his swashbuckling runs and fantastic delivery. 9
Sergio Aguero: Of
all the potential matchwinners on show, this one must stand at the
head of the queue. Has been in deadly form, a short backlift and
thumping shot needing no encouragement. 9
Wayne Rooney: After that three-match suspension, United's captain should be champing at the bit. Scored three goals on his last two visits to the Etihad. Loves the derby atmosphere. 9
Wayne Rooney: After that three-match suspension, United's captain should be champing at the bit. Scored three goals on his last two visits to the Etihad. Loves the derby atmosphere. 9
Edin Dzeko: For
a player in decent form he has only scored a couple of league goals,
both in the game against Hull. With Silva out, City need their centre
forward to produce the goods. 7
Robin van Persie: Might that last-minute goal against Chelsea both turn United's season around and inspire the striker? Quite possibly. The Dutchman looks fit and hungry, a man on a mission. 8
Robin van Persie: Might that last-minute goal against Chelsea both turn United's season around and inspire the striker? Quite possibly. The Dutchman looks fit and hungry, a man on a mission. 8
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