There has rarely been higher stakes going into a Manchester derby. For Manchester United, a win makes it much much easier to finish in the top four after both Arsenal and Chelsea faltered again at the weekend. For Manchester City, anything other than three points will feel like letting Liverpool place one hand on the Premier League trophy.
This derby at the back-end of last season was one of the most exciting fixtures on the calendar and although United came back from two goals down to win, it was ultimately a fixture Pep's team could afford to lose. This year they do not have that luxury.
Going into this one, United's form has been nothing short of horrendous, which will be a definite positive for City fans but as cliche'd as it is - form often goes out the window in these games.
Manchester United team vs Man City predicted - Anthony Martial and Nemanja Matic dropped
Man City team to face Manchester United predicted with Leroy Sane and John Stones on the bench
Which TV channel is Manchester United vs Manchester City on?
Manchester United vs Manchester City will be shown LIVE on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League from 7pm on Wednesday, April 24.
Kick-off at Old Trafford is at 8pm.
You will be able to follow all the action on our live blog as always.
Team news for Manchester United vs Manchester City
United boss Solskjaer has warned his team to be ready for tomorrow as he's expecting a physical battle: "We have got to be ready for the press and the quality they have got on the ball,” he said.
“When we win it we have got to be ready for their aggression because they will snap at your ankles and heels and kick you.
“They will not allow us easy counter-attacking. There will be fouls, no doubt about it.”
The good news for the Reds is Luke Shaw will be back in the squad.
"Luke’s been very good,” Solskjaer told MUTV . "He’s disappointed that he’s missed the three games that he has. He knows he has to improve on that. "
Manchester United vs Man City referee confirmed for Manchester derby
Pep Guardiola says Man City are no longer scared of playing Manchester United at Old Trafford
In terms of absentees Ander Herrera, Antonio Valencia, Marcos Rojo, Eric Bailly and Matteo Darmian all missed the defeat to Everton last time out and there has been no update over their availability.
As for the Blues, the worst news possible was confirmed when Pep Guardiola confirmed Kevin De Bruyne's is ruled out of the weekend clash.
Riyad Mahrez has been an unused substitute in each of City’s last three games and will likely not be risked in a game of such magnitude.
Odds for Manchester United vs Manchester City (Sky Bet)
Manchester United - 5/1
Draw - 18/5
Man City - 4/9
Draw 0-0 - 18/1
City to win 3-0 - 10/1
Raheem Sterling to score first - 4/1
Jesse Lingard to score first and Man Utd to win 1-0 - 230/1
.png?w=600)
