The first Manchester league derby of the season has the potential to act as a watershed for both City and United, with neither in sparkling form ahead of Sunday's meeting at the Etihad.
City lost 2-0 at Juventus in the Champions League on Wednesday and, having won just one of their last 10 in all competitions, Pep Guardiola said he would not be surprised to lose his job less than a month after signing a new contract.
Opposite number Ruben Amorim was unbeaten in his first three games in charge before league defeats to Arsenal and Nottingham Forest.
Thursday's 2-1 Europa League win over Viktoria Plzen will have pleased him after seeing his side come from behind in the Czech Republic.
However, facing even a struggling City represents a step up and Guardiola's side can respond.
- MAN CITY TO WIN AND BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE
- PHIL FODEN TO SCORE
- BRUNO FERNANDES TO BE BOOKED
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History Helps City's Hopes
City's results have been miserable but the cliche goes that form goes out of the window in derbies and United's issues hint that they could be the perfect opponents.
Amorim seems to discover a new problem with every game he oversees and looked dismayed at some of the goals they conceded in the 3-2 defeat to Forest.
They have managed only one clean sheet in his six matches in charge and appear vulnerable when assessing this game at the Etihad.
City have won five of the last six league meetings and have a chance to bounce back by winning what could be a thriller between two dysfunctional teams.
MAN CITY TO WIN AND BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE
Frustrated Foden Can Continue Fine Derby Form
Still to score in the Premier League this season, Phil Foden didn't make it off the bench against Juve, but Guardiola may have been keeping him fresh for Sunday.
Foden is among the few local lads set to take to the field and has a strong recent record against United, netting six goals in the pair's last four league meetings.
The 24-year-old's malaise has epitomised his team's campaign, but if one fixture is to yank him out of his funk, it is a derby at the Etihad.
Erling Haaland, who has also scored six times against United, is the favourite in the anytime market, but Foden is the poster boy for local fans and, if given minutes, could prove his side's most significant threat.
PHIL FODEN TO SCORE
Bruno A Real Card Candidate
United captain Bruno Fernandes has often carried his team since signing in 2020 and has provided three goals and as many assists in his last six league games.
The Portuguese has alternated between central midfield and playing off the frontman under Amorim and is likely to feature in the latter role on Sunday, with Amorim expected to pick two more defensive-minded individuals behind him.
A big issue for City since Rodri's injury in September has been how open they are. The Red Devils have dealt with similar issues for a decade and the fluidity of the game may see Fernandes caught on the wrong side of the ball.
The 30-year-old hasn't been carded since October, but tends to pick up cautions against better opponents, especially when his team are on the back foot.
BRUNO FERNANDES TO BE CARDED
