Preview: Manchester City vs. Manchester United

One of the biggest Premier League clashes in recent memory takes place on Monday evening as Manchester City welcome title rivals and neighbours Manchester United to the Etihad.

A win for the blue half of Manchester would see them climb above United to top spot by virtue of goal difference, while a United win would all but hand the Red Devils yet another Premier League crown.

Roberto Mancini has a fully-fit squad to select from with defender Micah Richards available after missing the win at Wolves and striker Mario Balotelli ready after serving a three-match ban.

In-form Argentinian duo Sergio Aguero and Carlos Tevez are likely to continue up front despite the availability of Balotelli, who scored twice in the famous 6-1 reverse fixture in October.

For the visitors, Sir Alex Ferguson also has no fresh concerns and his toughest selection dilemma may be choosing who to play at right-back, with Rafael, Chris Smalling and Phil Jones pushing for a starting spot.

Local striker Danny Welbeck could partner Wayne Rooney, who has scored 16 times in his last 14 appearances, in attack for United.

Current Form:

City: DDLWWW United: WWWLWD

Possible lineups:

City: Hart; Richards, Kompany, Lescott, Clichy; Silva, Barry, Y Toure, Nasri; Aguero, Tevez

United: De Gea; Rafael, Ferdinand, Evans, Evra; Valencia, Carrick, Scholes, Nani; Rooney, Welbeck

Sports Mole says: 2-2