The Manchester derby: Key battles

Yaya Toure

Yaya Toure vs Marouane Fellaini

New United signing Marouane Fellaini can make himself an instant hero amongst the Red Devils’ faithful by containing his City counterpart Yaya Toure.

Manchester City’s midfield man has been superb so far this season, scoring three goals from five matches of the campaign, and now has more space on the field to venture forward thanks to the acquisition of Fernandinho.

City unquestionably look a much faster, sharper and more dynamic outfit when the Ivorian Toure is given a free role to run forward and help partner attacks with the strikers, as he did in the second half in midweek against Viktoria Plzen in the Champions League, with Fernandinho operating deeper.

United’s victory over Leverkusen also saw the full debut of Marouane Fellaini, whose towering presence and timely tackles released pressure off Michael Carrick and will be instrumental in Sunday’s play.

This midfield battle should provide us with some attritional moments on the pitch.

Vincent Kompany vs Robin van Persie

Aside from last weekend’s lifeless performance at the Britannia against Stoke, City’s main problem has been in defense. With Vincent Kompany out injured for the first four Premier League matches of the season, Pellegrini was forced to deploy centre-back combinations including Lescott, Garcia and Matija Natasic.

The return of captain Kompany from groin injury in midweek gave them a much needed boost. He will be fit for Sunday, which he describes as a special game in the Premier League calendar.

His task will be to contain the daunting presence of Robin van Persie, who has been in excellent form. He has spearheaded the United attack, even without Rooney at times and has been highly influential in United’s victories.

The Dutchman, who finished as last season’s Premier League top scorer, currently has six goals from as many matches and will be determined to help United secure another memorable win at the Etihad Stadium.

Standing in his way will be Vincent Kompany, who will be hoping to get the better of this battle with van Persie.

Joe Hart vs Himself

Well, this may not be an actual battle, but it is as real as it gets. Much has been said about the form of England and Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart. Alas, that is one drawback of being an England goalie, you can never not be criticized.

A good deal has been made of Joe Hart’s form recently and after an inconsistent 2012/13, he would have hoped to hit the ground this term.

With England, he unfortunately started by allowing a Shaun Maloney strike slip through his supposedly firm grasp against Scotland at Wembley and then he failed to deal with two Cardiff corners as City succumbed to a humiliating defeat.

But he has the full backing of boss Manuel Pellegrini and he will be pleasantly buoyed by two consecutive clean sheets against Stoke and Viktoria Plzen in the Champions League on Tuesday.

He will certainly not be idle on Sunday, but if he can keep a clean sheet, the City custodian can expect some relief from his critics.