Manchester derby promises a mouthwatering clash

Manchester United and Manchester City lock horns in the second Manchester derby of the Premier League season on Sunday.

The Red Devils were triumphant in a dramatic clash at the Etihad Stadium back in December, with late goals from Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo producing a miraculous turnaround in the closing stages of the 2-1 victory. United will be eager to do the double over their local rivals, even if victory means little beyond bragging rights in the course of an underwhelming Premier League campaign.

For City, claiming all three points is far more important. Pep Guardiola's side are still fighting for Champions League qualification and currently find themselves behind top four competitors Chelsea, while chasers Newcastle United boast a game in hand. Winning at Old Trafford would not only secure local pride, it could also prove definitive in their European bid.

Team news:

Manchester United

Ruben Amorim welcomed Harry Maguire, Leny Yoro and Mason Mount back into the matchday squad for Tuesday's disappointing defeat at Nottingham Forest. The trio all came through the match unscathed and are available on Sunday, with Maguire potentially returning to the lineup following a knock to Matthijs de Ligt that leaves the Dutchman doubtful to feature against City.

Back-up goalkeeper Altay Bayindir returned to the bench midweek and third-choice Tom Heaton has also returned to training after fitness issues. Kobbie Mainoo, who has been missing since early February, is in contention to make the City clash. That could be a massive boost for United.

Amad might return before the end of the campaign but is still sidelined for the time being, while Luke Shaw, Lisandro Martinez, Jonny Evans and Ayden Heaven are all absent in defence with injuries.

Guardiola still finds himself without a host of injured stars, including star striker Erling Haaland. The Norwegian's replacement, Omar Marmoush, scored against Leicester City midweek but the Cityzens will still miss their towering Scandi sharpshooter at Old Trafford.

Manchester City

Haaland has joined fellow crucial first-teamers Rodri, Nathan Ake, John Stones and Manuel Akanji in the treatment room, with defensive injuries a significant issue for City.

However, in better news, Oscar Bobb made his long-awaited comeback from injury midweek as he enjoyed a brief cameo. He had been out of action with a broken leg since impressing in the Community Shield win over the Red Devils at Wembley back in August.

Of course, all eyes will be on Kevin De Bruyne between now and the end of the season after it was announced he would be leaving the Etihad this summer. But whether his game time will increase between now and then remains to be seen.