The List | 5 Things To Watch For In The Manchester Derby - Football News

The Manchester Derby is nearly upon us and it promises to be one hell of a game. The fixture will be the biggest test faced by both Manuel Pellegrini and David Moyes so far this season. Both sides will be contesting for the title at the end of the season, and facing each other is now about far more than bragging rights.

Manchester United have Wayne Rooney back on form and City have a host of talent finding their feet in the Premier League. With that in mind, here are five things that we think are worth keeping an eye on during the derby on Sunday.



Dive watch – Ashley Young is now the joint record holder for the most penalties won as a player – now standing on 12. Incidentally, the player he is tied with former teammate Gabby Agbohlahor. Quite what they teach them down at Villa remains to be seen, but at Old Trafford, diving a la Young will not be tolerated. The media are all over the diving bandwagon. Should Young get brought down legitimately on Sunday, it will be interesting to see what the man with the whistle does about it.

The man in the middle, Howard Webb – His reputation for favouring Manchester United in the past is well known. Once again, all eyes will be on Webb and any controversial decisions will make the headlines. City are actually unbeaten in their last 11 games with Webb in charge, but it will be the first time he's refereed either side this season - what a cracker to open his account with.



New boy Fellaini - City may have spent far more than United during the transfer window, but Marouane Fellani did become a Red Devil. Pretty convenient given that the nickname was already on his twitter profile due to his national side’s nickname being the same. In one for the stat lovers amongst us, new boy Fellani has won five times against City – only recording more wins against one other Premier League side – Sunderland.



Angry & confused one, turned redeemed one – Rooney has now reached a landmark 200 goals for United and after a summer of uncertainty, the striker is making a claim for ‘top dog’ status at Old Trafford. He now has either scored or assisted 40 times in his last 44 games – frightening stats by anyone’s standards. Rooney looks sharp, motivated and like the player lauded as one of the best in the world a couple of seasons ago.



City have their skipper back – Manchester City have had some shocking luck when it comes to the fitness of their defenders thus far this season. It's a huge boost for Manuel Pellegrini to have Kompany fit and raring to go. Given the defender has suggested he cannot wait to face an in form Wayne Rooney, that certainly seems to be the case. He may be lacking in match fitness, but even when half fit, Kompany will steady the ship and bring some much needed leadership and direction to the City back four.

Who do you think will be leaving the Etihad Stadium with the three points this Sunday? Join the conversation online, on Twitter and on Facebook.