The Manchester derby at Old Trafford (kick off 14:05) is clearly the pick of this weekend’s ties involving the top four in the Premier League and could determine the way in which the remainder of the season unfolds for both clubs. To complicate matters, the Red Devils face a trip to Moscow on Wednesday for a Champions League tie with CSKA, while the Sky Blues take on Sevilla at the Etihad Stadium, so both managers will be hoping that key personnel come through those fixtures unscathed.

City manager Manuel Pellegrini is already without striker Sergio Aguero and midfielder David Silva, while fellow midfielders Fabian Delph and Samir Nasri and defender Gael Clichy are also likely absentees for the “must-win” game against Sevilla. Louis van Gaal, on the other hand, is without winger Ashley Young, but has no new injury worries, so could have the edge come the weekend.

United won the corresponding fixture last season 4-2 and, with the teams having, collectively, scored 29 goals in their last five Premier League matches and conceded 15 goals in the same period, another high-scoring encounter may be on the cards. Both teams to score and Manchester United to win makes no little appeal at 15/4 with Bet365, while the same can be said of a 3-2 scoreline at 28/1 with the same bookmaker.

Selections: Both teams to score and Manchester United to win (15/4 with Bet365), Manchester United to win 3-2 (28/1 with Bet 365)