Manchester City vs Manchester United as it happened: City move 12 points ahead of rivals after convincing win
Champions Manchester City moved 12 points ahead of rivals Manchester United in the Premier League with a hard-fought 3-1 win in Sunday's derby.
David Silva opened the scoring as the leaders made a blistering start at the Etihad Stadium and Sergio Aguero doubled the advantage with a his eighth derby goal after the break.
United, who were without Paul Pogba, responded through Anthony Martial after substitute Romelu Lukaku won a penalty but Ilkay Gundogan wrapped up victory for the hosts.
Good morning and welcome to The Independent's live coverage of today's Premier League clash between rivals Manchester City and Manchester United, brought to you from the Etihad Stadium.
All eyes will be on United's team news ahead of kick-off as they were dealt a serious concern on Friday with news of an injury suffered by Paul Pogba. Will the midfielder be fit to play a part in this afternoon's match? We'll find out when the teams are revealed at 3:30pm GMT ahead of the 4:30pm kick-off.
In the meantime, read chief football writer Miguel Delaney's match preview on why today;s derby is the perfect finale to what has been an action-packed and dramatic week in Manchester:
So as rumoured, there is no Paul Pogba for Manchester United as the midfielder misses out with injury, and even though Romelu Lukaku is fit again he is only included on the bench as Marcus Rashford is reinstated to the starting line-up in place of Alexis Sanchez and Marouane Fellaini starts.
For City, the big call by Guardiola is that Riyad Mahrez starts ahead of Leroy Sane, but they are otherwise as you'd expect as Sergio Aguero returns to the starting line-up despite Gabriel Jesus' hat-trick in mid-week.
David Silva passes the ball into the box from the left and Aguero misses the ball. Great chance for City to open the scoring and United's defence looks shaky already.
Sterling runs in behind Ashley Young as the ball comes over the top and he wins a corner. City play it quickly and Lingard gives away a free kick for a challenge on Sterling.
United have been pulled apart by City. Sterling crosses the ball from the left and Bernardo Silva keeps the ball in play putting it back across goal. David Silva claims it works it onto his let foot and puts City in front.
Mendy brings Rashford down and United get the chance to put the ball into the box from a set piece. Young delivers but Ederson comes and punches it away.
United get caught on the break with Sterling dispossessing Herrera. Herrera recovers to win it back but it's poor signs from United. They try to work the ball down the left with Martial but Kyle Walker is solid and takes the ball off him easily.
Aguero takes the ball off Herrera but is closed down by the United centre backs. United break and Lingard is brought down. Ashley Young delivers the free kick but City clear it as far as Lingard who sends it back into the box and Smalling heads it over the bar.
United look more confident on the ball now, but City are in possession. Both teams have been sloppy with their passing and have given the ball away cheaply. City attack now with Aguero down the left but United get the ball clear.
Laporte takes a shot from range but he sends it way over the bar. City come again as Bernardo Silva gives the ball to Mahrez who cross it into the box. United defend it well and try to break with Rashford but Bernarndo Silva brings him down and gets a yellow card.
Man City's early pace has gone out of the game and they've allowed Man Utd more freedom to press forward. Walker plays a long ball out wide to Mendy who wins a corner.
United break with Rashford down the right hand side but he runs the ball out of play. He looks at Martial and Lingard waiting for support but they run into the box wanting a cross. It's a breakdown of communication between United's front men.
Luke Shaw runs straight into Mahrez as the City man knocks the ball past him. It results in a yellow card and City have a free kick on the right wing. Mahrez delivers and Smalling wins the header.
David Silva touches the ball into the path of Bernardo Silva who runs the ball into the box before squeezing it to Aguero coming in from the left. Aguero hits it first time and finds the side netting.
City started the game incredibly quickly dominating possession and causing problem after problem for United. They were rewarded with an early goal but since then the pace has slowed, the passing has dropped off and United have gotten themselves into the game. Another goal would probably seal the three points for City but the longer the match goes on the more likely it is the Man Utd could take something away from this game.
Manchester City vs Manchester United kicks off at 4:30pm (GMT)
Where can I watch it?
Live coverage will be provided by Sky Sports' Premier League and Main Event channels from 4:15pm. Paying customers can also stream the match online via the Sky Sports app. Alternatively, the fixture is available on Now TV by grabbing a Sky Sports Day Pass for just £7.99.
Highlights will be shown at 10:30pm on BBC One.
Player to watch…
Gabriel Jesus: The Brazilian had not scored for Manchester City since 25 September before his hat-trick against Shakhtar Donetsk on Wednesday night. While the bizarre penalty award involving Raheem Sterling took the limelight, the 21-year-old’s contribution was outstanding in all areas as City recorded their biggest win in the Champions League. Jesus may initially be on the bench on Sunday given Sergio Aguero’s recent form, but he once again demonstrated the talent that could be the difference in the derby.
Form guide…
Manchester City: WWWWWW
Manchester United: WDLWWW
Odds…
Manchester City to win: 4/11
Manchester United to win: 7/1
Draw: 4/1
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