Team News: Mario Balotelli starts for Manchester City

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has recalled Mario Balotelli for today's derby at the Etihad.

The Italian striker has been picked ahead of Carlos Tevez and Edin Dzeko to partner Sergio Aguero in attack.

Matija Nastasic also starts his first derby for City in a back four with Vincent Kompany, Pablo Zabaleta and Gael Clichy.

David Silva is fit to start in midfield, with Samir Nasri and Gareth Barry also recalled.

Tom Cleverley is a surprise selection for Manchester United after recovering from a midweek injury to take his place in the starting 11.

Michael Carrick also starts ahead of Darren Fletcher, with Antonio Valencia and Ashley Young picked on the wings.

Manchester City: Hart, Zabaleta, Kompany, Nastasic, Clichy, Yaya Toure, Barry, Nasri, Silva, Aguero, Balotelli.

Manchester United: De Gea, Rafael, Evra, Ferdinand, Evans, Valencia, Carrick, Cleverley, Young, Rooney, Van Persie