Good evening! Thank you very much for joining Sports Mole for one of the standout fixtures in the English football calendar as Manchester United host Manchester City at Old Trafford. It is the 167th time that these bitter rivals have met, and the most recent meetings have always been thoroughly entertaining affairs. Let's hope for another tonight!

We'll start with a look at our hosts tonight, who could well be coming into this match feeling rejuvenated and full of confidence following their successful week. A memorable European comeback against Olympiacos has set up a Champions League quarter-final meeting with holders Bayern Munich, while they also eased past West Ham at the weekend courtesy of a brace from Wayne Rooney - the first goal of which was a truly spectacular strike.

Of course, the memories of the drubbing at the hands of Liverpool here in their last home league outings will take a long time to fade, but back-to-back wins for the first time in 2014 have certainly helped ease the pain a little. Should they make it three in a row with a win today, it would certainly go down as the best week in Moyes's short but turbulent United career so far. That will be easier said than done when you consider the quality of the opposition, though.

Whatever happens tonight, there can be no getting away from the fact that it has been a disappointing first season at the helm for Moyes. Reports surfaced before the Olympiacos game suggesting that he had three games to save his job. Two of those have come and gone with United winning both, but defeat this evening would see the doom and gloom around Old Trafford gather again pretty quickly. If they go down with a whimper - as they did against Liverpool - then it will be even worse and Moyes could find his job once again being called into serious question.

Champions League qualification is now all but beyond them. They sit a whopping 11 points behind fourth-placed Arsenal in the league, while the likelihood of them getting past Bayern in the tournament itself is very slim. That means that their most realistic target now is displacing Spurs in fifth, although even that is effectively out of their hands. They are five points behind Spurs with a game in hand, while they are three points behind Everton having played a game more than the Toffees.

Statistically, they are certainly competing with the teams around them in the table in terms of goals. They have scored more than any other side outside the top four, while only Everton, Chelsea and City have conceded fewer. However, as United have become so accustomed to leading the way, that is still not good enough for them. Admittedly, they have been without the likes of Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney for lengthy spells, but there is no doubt that they have been a long way behind where they were under Sir Alex Ferguson.

Perhaps the most worrying thing for United fans will be their form at Old Trafford. They have already lost five times at home in the league this season - the same amount that they lost in the last three years of Fergie's reign combined. Indeed, they have only managed 21 points from 14 games at the Theatre of Dreams compared to a league-high 30 points on the road.

Things get even worse when you look at goals scored at home. United have only found the back of the net 18 times at Old Trafford in the league this season, which is the joint-fourth lowest tally in the entire division. Only Norwich, Crystal Palace and Sunderland have registered fewer times in front of their own fans. Couple that with their woeful record against the teams around them in the table and it is no surprise to see them languishing in seventh. They have only managed to beat one of the teams in the top nine all season.

One of the teams they failed to beat was, of course, City, who stormed to a very impressive 4-1 victory in the reverse fixture back in September. A repeat of that would be timely tonight as the visitors look to climb back up to second in the table with Liverpool not playing until tomorrow.

The title is still in City's hands as they sit six points behind leaders Chelsea having played three games fewer than Jose Mourinho's men. However, it is up to Manuel Pellegrini's side to make the most of those games in hand, and tonight marks the start of arguably the most important week of their season. Next up after today is Arsenal away, and then within two weeks they also have Southampton and fellow title contenders Liverpool to play.

They will be confident going into every game they play, however, having only lost once in their last 17 Premier League matches - winning 14 of them. They have now gone four league games unbeaten, winning their last three, although their aura of invincibility has been damaged somewhat by their defeat to Wigan in the FA Cup and their elimination from the Champions League at the hands of Barcelona.

While their dreams of an unprecedented quadruple have crumbled, they were quick to get back to winning ways in the league following their defeat at the hands of Chelsea last month. Since then, they have won three and drawn one game, all without conceding a single goal. They were back to their free-scoring selves in their last outing too, with Yaya Toure netting a hat-trick in a 5-0 victory over struggling Fulham.

Their all-conquering attack had slowed somewhat in recent weeks, partly due to the ongoing injury troubles suffered by Sergio Aguero. However, only Liverpool have scored more this season, with City still netting an impressive 76 times in their 28 games. They have improved at the other end of the field, too, overcoming early season problems to post the second best defensive record in the league so far, behind only Chelsea. Those two figures combine to give them the best goal difference in the league, which could prove important in what looks like being a tight title fight.

They have also improved greatly away from home. Their form on the road was earmarked as their Achilles heel earlier in the season - a point that was justified after defeats to the likes of Cardiff, Aston Villa and Sunderland. However, since their loss at the Stadium of Light in November they are unbeaten in eight league away games, while only Barcelona have beaten them in their last 13 games in all competitions - a run that includes a victory over Bayern at the Allianz Arena.

Indeed, they have actually won more games on their travels this season than United have won at home. City have picked up maximum points seven times on the road, while United have only managed six wins in front of their own fans. One of those records is likely to change this evening as these matches rarely end all square.

TEAM NEWS: Right, the teams are in for both sides and the big news from the United camp is that Danny Welbeck starts up front with Rooney. There is no place for Januzaj in the squad, while Cleverley comes into midfield and Ferdinand has recovered from a back injury in time to start. City, meanwhile, name Dzeko up front with Negredo on the bench, while Kompany returns from suspension to captain the side as expected. Full teams news for both sides on the way...

MANCHESTER UNITED STARTING XI: De Gea; Rafael, Ferdinand, Jones, Evra; Carrick, Cleverley, Fellaini; Mata, Welbeck, Rooney

MANCHESTER UNITED SUBS: Lindegaard, Büttner, Fletcher, Kagawa, Young, Valencia, Hernandez

MANCHESTER CITY STARTING XI: Hart; Zabaleta, Kompany, Demichelis, Clichy; Yaya Toure, Fernandinho, Nasri, Silva, Navas; Dzeko

MANCHESTER CITY SUBS: Pantilimon, Kolarov, Lescott, Milner, Garcia, Negredo, Jovetic

So, what can we make of those two teams? Well, perhaps the most important factor for Moyes is that he has two recognised central defenders available to him. Carrick was forced to play at the back against West Ham on Saturday, but Ferdinand has returned in time. Vidic, Smalling and Evans are all still out, however, so it is a threadbare United defence that will attempt to keep out the potent attacking force of City tonight.

Behind the defence is David de Gea, who could be crucial for the hosts tonight. City will be expected to carve out a decent amount of chances given how shaky the United defence has been at times this season, and the Spanish keeper will likely be called upon numerous times. His role in the Olympiacos victory was every bit as important at hat-trick hero Van Persie's, and a similar performance today could well give United the basis to go on and win.

The midfield is one that could cause groans from United fans as it doesn't look to be particularly dynamic against the likes of Toure and Silva. Carrick is a solid player who rarely gives the ball away, but alongside Cleverley and Fellaini they don't offer too much of a threat going forward and breaking with pace. The trio have most likely been chosen with more defensive ideas in mind as United look to prevent a repeat of the Liverpool debacle, when they simply couldn't cope with the pace of the attacks and Sterling's position in the middle.

The strikeforce is where United will really look to hurt City, and they are certainly capable of it. The absence of Van Persie through injury is, of course, a major blow, but Rooney in particular looked capable of taking on the mantle himself against West Ham. His first goal in that game was quite something and he went on to move clear as the club's third-highest scorer of all time. He also boasts the most goals ever in these fixtures with 11, so will be looking to add to that impressive tally tonight.

The improved form of Rooney will make City fans even more glad that they have got Kompany back from suspension. The Belgian always seems to play a major and decisive role in these matches, and they showcase his leadership and desire to win more than any other. He will be marshalling a defence that has improved as the season has progressed, although the presence of Martin Demichelis will still fill City fans with an uneasy feeling. He can seem like an accident waiting to happen at times.

Looking at the midfields of both teams, that will be where City will look to dominate. David Silva has rediscovered some of his best form this season, while the likes of Fernandinho, Nasri and Navas have shown that they can be very dangerous going forward. The big threat, however, is undoubtedly Toure. He can be unstoppable when on his best form, and having netted a hat-trick to take his season tally up to 16 on Saturday, it is fair to say that he isn't far short of that.

Up front, it is a slight surprise to see Dzeko get the nod ahead of Negredo. The big Spaniard has struggled for goals recently after his lucrative run earlier in the season dried up, but he did manage to win the penalty for Toure's first against Fulham and can be very hard to play against on his day. Dzeko has also proved that he can cause plenty of problems, however, and he will be looking to stake his claim for a more regular starting spot tonight.

PREDICTION: They say form and league positions go out of the window in derby matches, and that would be welcome news for United if it were the case. However, they have really struggled at home in the league this season, while City are in good form away from home and need a victory a lot more than their neighbours do. I expect an improved United display to their loss to Liverpool, but I still don't think it will be enough for them to stop City. I'll go for a 3-2 away victory.

Considering his previous managerial experience, David Moyes actually has a very good record against Manchester City. The Scot has won 13 of his 25 matches against the Sky Blues, 12 of them coming with Everton and one with Preston. Can he add Manchester United to that list tonight?

In terms of recent times, though, this fixture has more often than not belonged to City. They have won four of the last five meetings in the league, including their last two visits to Old Trafford. It wasn't too long ago that they thrashed United 6-1 here, a result that still haunts the home fans. A repeat of that result this evening could well cost Moyes his job.

Unsurprisingly, it is United who edge the overall record in the Manchester derby, however. They have come out on top 69 times in this fixture, compared to 46 wins for City and 50 draws. In addition to bragging rights, United have the chance to derail City's title bid tonight - although any win would also play into the hands of Liverpool, which would be something of a catch 22 situation for United fans!

There are two other Premier League games taking place tonight, and you can follow them both live with us on Sports Mole. Arsenal look to get their own title bid back on track against Swansea, which you can find here, while Newcastle host Everton here. I will also be keeping you up to date with major events from those games.

KICKOFF: Manchester City get us underway in a huge match for both clubs as they look to get one over on their rivals as well as enhancing their own personal goals for the season.

Oh my word, what a start to this match for City! With just 45 seconds on the clock, they take the lead! Yaya Toure slipped the ball in to Silva, who burst into the box before being stopped by a fine Rafael challenge. The ball eventually came back to Nasri, who cut inside before firing a shot off the near post which deflected into the path of Dzeko for an easy finish.

What an unbelievable start that was for City. Not in their wildest dreams could they have thought that they would start this match so well, and United are stunned. There was an element of luck about the goal, but it was blistering stuff from the visitors.

City haven't stopped with that opening goal either. They continue to come forward and United are let off the hook somewhat when Toure blasts what must have been a cross well over the bar from the right wing. United need to wake up quickly otherwise this game could be beyond them in double quick time.

If Moyes's tactics were to crowd out the midfield and prevent City similar space to what Liverpool were afforded in that area, then it is not working. Silva has run the game early on and United are struggling to get near him at the moment.

Fellaini comes charging out to try to dispossess Toure, but the big Ivorian simply rolls the Belgian and springs another attack. It is all too easy for City in midfield at the moment. Silva comes forward again there and is given far too much room to move into the box before his shot is blocked.

Moyes has already made a change tactically as Mata has moved inside to add another body in midfield. They were simply getting overrun in that area and the United manager has made a move in an attempt to stop that. He may make an even bigger change now as Valencia appears to be warming up already.

City come forward again, this time down the right flank as Zabaleta feeds Dzeko, who in turns plays a dangerous low ball into the box. Rafael cuts it out, and his clearance just about eludes a blue shirt.

YELLOW CARD! The first card of the evening goes to Kompany, and he can have no complaints. He stepped across Welbeck to block him off instead of taking him on in a foot race.

UPDATE: Swansea have taken the lead at the Emirates against Arsenal, which is more good news for City. Wilfried Bony got the goal there.

YELLOW CARD! Welbeck becomes the second man in the book for a rash challenge on Zabaleta. He overran the ball and lunged into the tackle, clattering into the full-back. The away fans want a red, but Michael Oliver gets it right with a yellow.

CHANCE! Huge chance for City to double their lead, and only a fine save from De Gea denies them. Toure gave the ball to Silva, who was in acres of space inside the box. He plays it across to Dzeko, whose effort is kept out by the keeper. What a chance that was, but where on earth was the United defence?!

Silva looks to pick out Nasri with a clever incisive pass, but for once he is off target and the ball runs through to the keeper. Silva has simply run the show in this opening 20 minutes and United haven't been able to cope with him.

Rooney looks to make something happen for his side as he picks the ball up on the left wing before cutting inside into a shooting position. He tries to drill the ball towards the bottom corner, but it takes a deflection that makes it easy for Hart.

UPDATE: More bad news for United as Everton have taken the lead against Newcastle at St James' Park. Ross Barkley got the goal that would increase the gap further between the Toffees and the Red Devils.

CHANCE! United are starting to come into this match more now and have their first clear of chance of the game here. Carrick stood the ball up for Welbeck to chest down to Fellaini. The ball bounced up invitingly for the Belgian, whose volley stung the palms of Hart.

This match has been played at a frenetic pace from start to finish. There has hardly been time for either side to catch their breath, which is making for a superb spectacle. United are looking increasingly capable of scoring, but City still look dangerous on every attack as well.

For once, the match has calmed down a little. What a superb match it has been so far, and it is set up nicely for another hour of entertaining football. I would be very surprised it if finished 1-0.

YELLOW CARD! Fellaini is a lucky boy here. He goes into Zabaleta elbow first when trying to hold the full-back off, and the referee immediately shows him a yellow. That could have easily been a red, which makes both Welbeck and Fellaini perhaps lucky to still be on the field.

Rooney has been United's best player by some distance so far. He is chasing everything and doing his bit defensively as well as up front. If United are to do anything in this one, it looks like Rooney will be at the heart of it.

City are still controlling possession and dictating the tempo of the game at the moment, but there is no doubt that United have settled. The way both sides began the match it looked like it could be over within 10 minutes, but the hosts held on and are still in this match.

Rooney is putting everything into this match - there can be no accusing him of lacking passion and determination. Unfortunately for him, his teammates have not yet matched his level of performance or desire.

United have a good spell of the ball, which in turn cranks up the volume from the home fans. They finally seem to be gaining a little bit of control over the match now.

Evra plays a cross into the box that Welbeck attacks with gusto, but Hart is alert and comes racing out of his goal to make a good, commanding catch. That really took the pressure off his defenders.

CHANCE! Big chance for the hosts to get the equaliser. Rafael fizzes a low ball into the box from the right that Rooney swings and completely misses. It travels through to Mata, who takes a touch before curling an effort over the bar with his weaker right foot. He should have done better there, it was a good opening for a player of his quality.

Moyes does deserve credit for his tactical switch that seems to have stemmed the flow of City a little. Mata moved back into midfield to give them another body there, while Cleverley was moved onto the right. He has obviously impressed Moyes there as the plan to bring Valencia on has been put on hold.

Good defending from Clichy as he stretches his neck muscles to nod a deep cross behind with Fellaini lurking. The big Belgian didn't compete with the full-back in the end, which is surprising as he would have been favourite to win it and would have had a good chance if he had attacked the ball.

Strong goalkeeping from Hart as he gets a strong punch on a dangerous Rooney corner that Evra attacked well. The City keeper eventually gets the free kick for Evra's tackle, but he had done enough to clear the immediate danger anyway.

There will be three minutes of added time at the end of this first half.

YELLOW CARD! You want see many clearer yellow cards than this one. Rooney drives past Fernandinho in the middle of the park, and the City midfielder just sticks out a leg to trip the England man. No doubt about that one.

Moments later, Rooney is fortunate to get away without a yellow for a heavy challenge on Dzeko from behind. The City players aren't happy, and they have a point.

What a superb half of football that was. These matches very rarely disappoint, and this one certainly hasn't so far. City came flying out of the traps and took the lead inside one minute before going on to run riot. However, United slowly but surely settled into the match and actually ended the half on the up. This one is set up very nicely for a cracking second half.

It was Edin Dzeko who got the goal for the visitors, tapping in from close range after 42 seconds of action. City went immediately on the attack from the kickoff and Toure fed the ball into Silva, who was only denied by a fine challenge from Rafael. Fernandinho played the ball back in to Nasri, who cut inside before firing a shot against the post. With De Gea stranded, the ball bounced to De Gea, who tapped in from close range.

In truth, the way City started the match it looked like the game would be over within 10 minutes. The visitors were in scintillating form and David Silva completely ran the show for them as United struggle to get anywhere near them. City failed to make the most of their dominance, which could prove to be important.

However, United did get themselves back into the match, weathering the storm before settling into the game and ending the half on top. Moyes will have been livid at the team's start to the match, but he will be delighted with how they hung in and turned the match around. The way that first half ended, he will be confident of his side getting something out of this game.

Both sides have had chances to score the game's second goal, but a some poor finishing has prevented that. City could and should have doubled their lead in the 18th minute when Toure steered the ball back into the box for Silva, who in turn teed up Dzeko. The effort was on a plate for the striker, but he was a little off balance and didn;t get enough on his shot to beat De Gea, who made a fine stop.

United's chances fell to Fellaini and Mata respectively. The first saw the ball bounce up nicely for the Belgian midfielder, who volleyed an effort at Hart from a tight angle. Mata's chance was the clearest of the two as Rafael low cross found him just inside the box, only for the Spaniard to lift his effort over the crossbar.

In truth, United are very lucky to still have 11 men on the field. Welbeck charged into a challenge on Zabaleta, but the worst one was a Fellaini elbow on the City right-back. The referee was just five yards away and showed a yellow card, but it should have been a red.

KICKOFF: Manchester United get us back underway for a huge second half for both sides. The hosts have made a change at the break, bringing Shinji Kagawa on for Cleverley.

City have started this half quickly as well and Dzeko finds himself in a shooting position for another early goal. This time his effort is blocked, however, while a Zabaleta volley moments later is also blocked and goes behind for a corner.

Dzeko rises highest to meet the resulting corner, but he can't steer his header on target. City have come out flying yet again in this half.

UPDATE: There has been an early goal in the North East, with Everton doubling their lead against Newcastle. Romelu Lukaku got the goal to make it 2-0 to the Toffees. Bad news for United.

United are struggling to get a foothold in this second half at the moment. City have started to really strongly and are dominating possession in the early stages. Can they double their lead while on top or will United hold out once again?

CHANCE! What a huge chance that is for City! A corner is met by Kompany at the front post and he flicks his header into the six-yard box. Fernandinho is there unmarked and just about reacts in time to steer it towards goal, but it goes over the bar. That was a glorious opportunity, although it did come at the City midfielder quickly.

United come forward with pace as Kagawa leads the attack. He is eventually crowded out but City give the ball straight back to the hosts, who force a hurried clearance from Demichelis. That has raised the volume levels a bit here!

City have another! It is too easy for Dzeko as he just moves away from Ferdinand to gain space in the box. The finish is far from easy, however, as he meets the corner with a cushioned volley that De Gea can do nothing about. Superb finish from the striker, who has certainly justified his selection with two goals.

Is that game over for United? It is hard to see them coming from two goals down, it must be said. They ended the first half well but, apart from that, City have dominated the game. The hosts still have not settled in this second half and they need to do so soon if they are to stand any chance of getting back into this one.

City are playing with even more confidence now, knocking the ball about with one-touch passes in midfield and keeping it away from United. Do the hosts go all out to pull a goal back now or will Moyes err on the side of damage limitation?

Navas sends a brilliant low ball into the box, right in the area that defenders hate. Ferdinand does well in the end as he nervously puts it behind when face to face with his own keeper.

Fellaini goes flying into a challenge on Nasri and the referee blows for a free kick but no card. Moyes could well opt to take Fellaini off considering he is already on a yellow card and is lucky to still be on the field. A red card would really compound United's misery now.

Pellegrini will be wondering whether it would be worth pushing for a third here. A resounding victory would give his side a huge boost in confidence ahead of Saturday's huge clash with Arsenal, a match that could be pivotal in the title race.

MANCHESTER UNITED SUB: There is the change that sees Fellaini exit the field, with Valencia coming on for the Belgian. It looks as if Rooney will now drop into midfield, with Welbeck going into a more central attacking role.

MANCHESTER CITY SUB: The visitors make their first change of the night as Javi Garcia comes on in place of Navas. That is a defensive move from Pellegrini as he just looks to see this match out.

SHOT! Toure comes forward down the left before rolling the ball across to Fernandinho, who has a clear shooting chance from 20 yards. However, he just leans back as he hits it and fires an effort well off target. He should have done better there.

SAVE! Hart hasn't had much to do tonight, and this is a fairly simple one for him. Welbeck carries the ball into the box and cuts inside onto his right foot before firing a low effort towards the near post. Hart is not fooled, however, and gets down comfortably to make the stop.

CHANCE! Big chance for United to pull a goal back! Demichelis incomprehensibly charges out of defence when United were attacking down the right, leaving Welbeck all alone in the six yard box. The striker flicks the eventual low cross goalwards, but Hart makes a very good reaction stop.

MANCHESTER CITY SUB: Another rather defensive change from Pellegrini as Nasri trudges off the field to be replaced by James Milner. It will be a straight swap in the left, but Milner is more defensively minded for sure.

UPDATE: Arsenal have launched a fine comeback to take the lead against Swansea at the Emirates. Two goals in as many minutes from Podolski and Giroud have potentially kept the Gunners' title challenge alive.

MANCHESTER UNITED SUB: The hosts make their third and final change of the evening as Javier Hernandez replaces Danny Welbeck.

United come forward with a promising attack that breaks down courtesy of a poor pass from Valencia. He slipped the ball towards Hernandez, but it was just heavy enough for Demichelis to slide in and make a challenge.

MANCHESTER CITY SUB: The visitors make a change up front as two-goal hero Edin Dzeko makes way having put in a match-winning performance. He is replaced by Alvaro Negredo, who has not scored in his last nine City appearances.

United are awarded a free kick in a promising position as Zabaleta brings down Evra. Rooney whips a dangerous ball into the box, but not for the first time tonight Hart gets good contact on his punch to clear the danger.

City launch a quick counter with Toure at the front, skipping past his man and driving into the United half. He eventually gives the ball to Negredo who, in his desire to end his goal drought, shoots from range when he had better options available. His effort is blocked and the attack fizzles out.

UPDATE: Everton have capped off a very impressive victory against Newcastle through Leon Osman, who has just made it 3-0. Even a top five finish is slipping away from United it seems.

City come forward with a measured attack through Toure and Milner, who combine to charge into the United half. It is eventually worked to Zabaleta on the right and he goes down under the challenge of Valencia inside the box, but the ref is right to wave the claims away.

Kompany comes through the back of Hernandez and both players miss the ball, but the City skipper is penalised for his challenge. The home fans want a second yellow card, but the ref says no. United have a free kick in a good position here.

Mata's free kick deflects off the wall and goes high into the air, causing Hart to only tip it behind for a corner under pressure.

There is the icing on the cake for City as they complete a comprehensive victory over their bitter rivals. Toure picks the ball up on the edge of the box and drills a low effort into the bottom far corner, beyond the despairing dive of De Gea. It is another humiliation at home for United.

There will be three minutes of added time at the end of this match.

Well, well, well, what a big win that is for City, who move back up to second in the table for 24 hours at least. For United, however, it is another humiliation at the hands of a bitter rivals as City beat them 3-0 at Old Trafford just a couple of weeks after Liverpool did the same. The hosts were once again short of the required quality to match their opponents and were comfortably swept aside.

From the moment Edin Dzeko opened the scoring in the 42nd second of the game, there was little doubt that City would go on and win this one. United enjoyed a good spell at the end of the first half, but other than that City controlled the match and the 3-0 scoreline does not flatter them. Dzeko got a second after the break with a lovely finish from a corner, while Toure capped off the result late on with a powerful finish into the bottom corner.

Right, that is all we have time for this evening! Thank you very much for joining Sports Mole for another memorable Manchester derby. It was a thoroughly entertaining spectacle, but once again it ends in misery for United as they fall to a 3-0 loss at the hands of their local rivals. I will leave you with our match report, and be sure to stick around for reaction and analysis, both of which will be on site shortly. Join us tomorrow for more live Premier League action, including Liverpool vs. Sunderland as the Reds look to move back ahead of City and into second. Until then, though, it is goodbye from me!