A win for the visitors would see Sir Alex Ferguson's side move six points clear of their neighbours at the top of the table, but they come up against a City team who have yet to be beaten in the league this season.

This fixture has always been one to entertain and enthral, so join Sports Mole as we look back at five classic encounters between the two clubs.

Man City 5-1 Man Utd - September 23, 1989
Referred to as the 'Maine Road Massacre' by United fans, this was City's biggest league win against their local rivals since 1955. If there was any consolation for the travelling support, it was Mark Hughes's outrageous, acrobatic volley to make it 3-1.

Man City 3-3 Man Utd - October 27, 1990
A forgotten classic as far as Manchester derbies go. Two goals from David White and an impressive strike from a marauding Colin Hendry put City into a 3-1 lead. However, a brace in the final nine minutes from an opportunistic Brian McClair ensured that there would be no repeat of the previous season's humiliation.

Man City 2-3 Man Utd - November 7, 1993
Four days after United had gone out of the Champions League in ugly fashion to Galatasaray, Alex Ferguson's side were pelted with bars of Turkish Delight as they ran out onto the Maine Road pitch on this biting November night. City led 2-0 at the break thanks to two Niall Quinn headers, but Eric Cantona struck twice to level the contest before Roy Keane crept in at the back post in the final minute to give the visitors the three points.

Man Utd 4-3 Man City - September 21, 2009
Mark Hughes's City thought that they had done enough to earn themselves a point by coming from behind three times at Old Trafford, but substitute Michael Owen's toe poke in the 900th minute sealed a dramatic win for the hosts. While Hughes seethed on the touchline, Ferguson danced a merry jig of delight.

Man Utd 1-6 Man City - October 23, 2011
A day City fans, and the wider footballing world, won't be forgetting in a long time. If there were any doubts that Roberto Mancini's side were serious title contenders, then they were firmly cast aside after this thrashing. The Stretford End had rarely been so stunned.