Manchester United against Manchester City

<B>It's over!</b>

Zabaleta wins a second ball off Dzeko's contest but Smalling halts him with a great block tackle

Into the final 30 seconds, City have the ball now

Giggs wins another free kick in the corner, so frustrating for City but the crowd love it

United are passing the ball well to stop City from building a final attack

It's bombed forward but Lescott fouled Smalling

City have a free kick in their own half now

Four minutes to be added on. Giggs wins another throw in the corner

Attacking throw in for United, this suits them as they wind the clock down

City are throwing men forward now in search of an equaliser but United come forward through Giggs

Carrick came on for Scholes a few minutes earlier

Foul on Van Der Sar after Carrick's header went straight up in the box

Tevez is coming deep now, he gets away from Berbatov and then Giggs pulls at him as he runs down the line. Free kick

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Giggs

With a new shirt, he's back on

Dzeko is off getting his head patched up after being caught by Vidic's accidental elbow in the air. Bad timing with a goal needed

Silva, then SWP have crossed headed away by a leaping Vidic

A slow build up ends up with a hopeful shot by SWP but a corner is the reward

Corner to City

Vidic halts another attack as Tevez looks for Silva in the box

United keep possession rather than trying to cross, and eventually it's a goal kick as the move breaks down

Evra receives some attention, perhaps just to slow things down

What a turning point that goal could be for Wayne Rooney. Now United have a free kick near the left corner after Toure was late trying to block Evra's cross

Dzeko fires over immediately after, having combined with Barry inside the United box

Berbatov! His shot is tame after Fletcher found him free on the left.

Toure fires wide from range but everyone is in shock after one of the great Manchester derby goals

Scholes finds Nani with a clever first time pass to the right, he stands up a cross to the back post and Rooney acrobatically blasts it back into the far corner from 10 yards! Old Trafford explodes!

<B>United 2-1 City!!!</b>

<B>An unbelievable bicycle kick!!!</B>

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL ROOOONEY!!!</b>

City maintain possession for a minute as we all catch our breath but now United are back on the ball

Both teams are using 4-4-2s after the substitutions and the game has opened right up

Now City attack again, it could go either way in the last 15 minutes

Barry had cut down Rooney but the referee played advantage then gave him a warning after

Nani shoots high and wide yet again on his left foot after he beat three players on a superb dribble from half way

Wright-Phillips tries a give and go into Dzeko, but he is bustled away from the striker's classy backheel

Giggs gets another chance down the left but the immense Kompany steps out to take the ball away from him

Silva goes down in the area now but he collided fairly with Vidic

Tevez lines up a strike from range but Wright-Phillips gets in his way and the move ends

Tevez, and then Rooney, have passes cut out as possession passes back and forth

Giggs turns back the clock to beat two players and cut the ball back for Scholes but an interception ruins a lovely move by the veterans

Dzeko receives the ball in the box with back to goal...but he's offside.

Tevez gets a shot in as the pace lifts but it's blocked and Van Der Sar collects

Now Scholes hits Nani on the right with great vision but his low cross is gathered by Hart. It's opening up now

While that was happening Berbatov has come on as Ferguson looks to get his lead back

Tevez! Saved! Silva's ball found him all too free but Van Der Sar saved brilliantly with his feet anyway

Scholes was booked for a late tackle and City have a set piece to attack

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Anderson comes off for Berbatov

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Scholes

It's all level at Old Trafford! Wright-Phillips dribbles down the right, cuts the ball low across the box and Dzeko's stretching shot ricochets in off Silva's back. Who will it go to?

<B>Dzeko scores!!!</b>

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> CITY!!!

Smalling now has a lot more to think about with the big Bosnian striker Dzeko taking him on

Tevez, free to drop deeper, combines well with Silva but once in the box Tevez's cross is blocked well by Vidic

Barry clears a Giggs cross after Fletcher hit the winger with a great through ball

Milner has his hamstring iced up on the bench

Dzeko joins Tevez up front and it's now more of a 4-4-2 for City

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Dzeko on for Milner for City

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2011/0212/nanigoal20110212_275x155.jpg"><br>Nani slots past Joe Hart.

United continue to attack but Hart now collects a blocked Giggs cross

United have a throw now. It flows from end to end.

United attack while Milner is down hurt and after Kompany's great tackle to halt Rooney, Nani has yet another shot on his left foot but misses at the near post from 18 yards

Nani shoots wide!

Van Der Sar saves from Silva! After the third cross was cleared the Spaniard had a pop from range, well held

It was Toure's weak header dealt with. Vidic heads out the follow up

Cleared near the line by Rooney!

Scholes did a terrible backpass in the air that van der Sar couldn't control

Corner to City

Nani chases down an O'Shea through ball but Lescott does well to shield it out for a goal kick.

Looks like SWP on the right, Silva on the left, still a 4-3-3 for City, but with more width down the right

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Kolarov off for Wright-Phillips for City

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2011/0212/naniceleb220110212_275x155.jpg"><br>Nani celebrates his 41st minute goal.

Richards slides in to tackle Giggs and it's a throw to United in the corner

Foul by Barry on Fletcher on half way and United move the ball on

He shielded the ball instead of passing then fell down once he had lost out to Vidic, poorly done

Toure goes down in the box...no penalty

News in that Mancini was apparently talking to David Platt and Brian Kidd outside the dressing room for at least ten minutes during half time, perhaps searching for the tactical answers

City have the ball early in this half but Rooney is caught just offside as United look to break

City get on the front foot as Tevez drives into the side of the box, his cross is cleared to Toure, and his driven cross finds no one

No changes at half time

<b>Second Half</b>

Of course, there are six Premier League matches kicking off right after this one, and we will be covering those live on Soccernet. You can chat to Dale Johnson and myself as we keep you abreast of all the goals and highlights, up to the minute

But don't forget City had the best chance of the half outside of the goal, as Silva poked his shot just wide from a tight angle early on

If history is anything to go by, United should go on with this: The team scoring first has won the past nine Manchester derbies

A reminder that Kompany and Milner are in the book after each chopping down Rooney. The game has been refereed well by Andre Marriner

While you wait for the second half, have a read of Steven Gerrard's heart-breaking tale of losing his mate Fernando Torres to Chelsea: http://es.pn/gT0etT

<i>Opta Stats</i> Nani has been directly involved - scoring or assisting - 19 goals for United in his last 20 Premier League appearances.

Silva has been the player of the half, but that man Nani again is involved when it matters

But now Mancini will need to consider whether to open up the game with the introduction of Dzeko

With the teams matched up evenly in shape, attackers had to work hard for space and both sides did create the odd opening

It was Nani's goal late in the half that separates the sides after an engrossing, if not thrilling, first half

<B>United 1-0 City</b>

<B>Half Time</b>

United pile on the pressure as Evra and Giggs get low crosses cleared but City might survive til the break

Two minutes added on

His long-range effort flies over as United push towards half time.

Shot by Giggs! Over.

The crowd shout for a pen but it never was, Kolarov defended Anderson well

United come again after Zabaleta slides ahead of Nani this time

In a chess-match of a game, it was a simple situation with the goalkeeper's clearance that led to the goal, but a bit of brilliance from Giggs and Nani turned it into a goal

But United clear to racous cheers

The atmosphere and tempo has lifted as Nani fouls Kolarov now.

It's all happening all of a sudden. Milner sweeps out Rooney's legs.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Milner

And a backflip celebration to boot. 1-0 United in the derby!

A long kick by Van Der Sar is contested by Rooney, Giggs gets to the second ball and plays a sublime first time half volley pass into Nani's path, he beats Zabaleta to break into the box and slots it home low to the right

<B>Nani scores!!!</b>

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> United!!!

A short corner is cleared at the back post by Fletcher and Smalling wins a free kick to get United up field

Lescott lost his boot for a moment...

The first corner is cleared for another

Silva popped up in the box and his drive hit Evra in the chest

Penalty shout by City...not given. It's a corner instead

Nani led Zabaleta on a merry dance and eventually cut in onto his left foot once more, but perhaps he should have passed this time

Nani with yet another shot. Well over the bar.

Another save by Hart. This time Nani popped up on the left but Richards' block took the sting off the shot. United continue to probe.

Rooney's pass is cleared. City are defending well but United's final ball has been poor so far

Giggs found a good cross this time as the big right back made a late run to the back post but Hart held the header well

O'Shea header saved!

Now Zabaleta fouls Nani on half way, it was a little bit late but he escapes with just a talking to, probably fair enough.

Kolarov picks up a loose ball just outside the box but his right foot, his weaker foot, send the ball well over.

Half and hour gone and it has been a very even start overall.

Giggs gives the ball away as his slow start continues and Toure beats 4 players to maintain possession in his own half.

Kolarov and Zabaleta both hit cross-shots into the box from the left but both are blocked and now Silva is offside.

Toure was forced wide and Vidic sorted him out. Throw to City.

Scholes hits Nani with an unbelievable switch but two more crosses come to nothing. City counter now.

Nani cuts inside again and this time tries to find Anderson's good run, but it's defended well by Richards. All United at the moment though.

Nani's cross evades three United targets in the box after a nice switch by Scholes, who is starting to get on the ball more.

Rooney is getting a word now for having a little revenge kick on Kompany. It's a battle to watch

Silva is constantly finding space to dictate City's attack, United need to get closer to him somehow

Good advantage by Marriner but Giggs' poor cross ends a promising counter by United

City defend the follow-up well and now Anderson fouls Toure to relieve the pressure

Kompany slides in to deny Evra's charge onto a nice Anderson pass into the box

United win it back when Toure slips, they string some passes together, then Fletcher hits a 40-yard pass to...no one. Throw in City.

And after that flurry, City back in possession

Now O'Shea clatters Lescott and it's a free kick to City in their own corner

Kompany has felled Rooney from behind and Marriner comes back to book him

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Kompany

A good United move ends when Rooney was brought then wasn't in the box for the cross during advantage.

Another City move ends with van der Sar but they have United pinned back for now.

City's midfield is looking the more creative so far.

Corner cleared, van der Sar has the second cross from deep.

Silva releases Toure with a superb reverse pass and his cross inside the box is blocked out by Smalling

Corner City!

Silva has been heavily involved in City's attacks, drifting across the front line. Tevez isn't dropping too deep.

FYI, Toure means Yaya Toure - his brother Kolo is on the bench for now

Kolarov finds Toure, but his back post header goes over

Free kick to City! Barry releases Zabaleta down the left and O'Shea bumps him over to the side of the area.

Richards wins a meaty 50-50 with Evra but City give up possession through Silva and now it's a throw-in to City on half way. Some mismatch in terms of size.

A move that starts with the goalkeeper works its way to Nani on the right, he cuts in onto his left foot and fires a fierce shot narrowly over from 20 yards

Nani shoots just over!

Both sides are moving the ball forward well despite the congestion with three central midfielders on both teams

Tevez eventually finds a pocket of space from a Silva pass but his cross floats over the byline

A City move starts as Richards robs Scholes in midfield and now City have a throw on the left

Goal kick to City to relieve some pressure

Tevez is disposed and now Giggs wins a throw high up the pitch

Taken short again, Anderson tries to turn in the box but Hart cleans up

Now Nani whips it in, it's another corner

Taken short, Giggs weaves into the box but Zabaleta tackles him for another corner...

Corner now to United

Superb interchange of passes from Yaya Toure, to Tevez, to Silva's 3rd man run, but he misses the far post by inches from a tight angle

Great chance Silva! Just wide!

City now holding possession, it's a rather slow tempo with both sides just settling in gently rather than flying out of the blocks

Still with the hosts now. City looking to play the ball out on the ground and Tevez earns a free kick on half way

United on the ball now, Rooney goes down in the box under Kompany's strong header but it was fair.

Giggs to take. Its evades the pack but Hart claims the second cross.

<B>Corner</b> to United

And here comes <B>kick-off</b>

City have Dzeko, Jo and Wright-Phillips among their attacking options but we've seen how Tevez almost always plays better alone up front.

United have Berbatov, Hernandez and Owen all on the bench should they need a goal later in the match.

Players are shaking hands, Old Trafford is full of people and noise, and the talking is over once again. All that's left is to see how the latest installment in this great rivalry plays out.

Right before kick-off, have a listen to United's 'interesting' new club song if you haven't already. I dare you... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=422mQac48HQ&feature=player_embedded#at=184

The players are now in the tunnel

Here's a quick stat for you: Berbatov has scored 35% of United's goals. Yet he is on the bench due to Fergie's preference to play with 5 midfielders in games like this one. Time will tell whether it will work.

Still waiting? Have you seen Jon Carter's piece on Berbatov and Tevez - the odd couple? One is on the bench but he could yet have a say late in the match. http://es.pn/fMpORJ

A win for City, however, would close the gap to two (with United still having a game in hand) and allow Arsenal to really close the gap if they beat Wolves later (but Wolves spoiled United's chance to go clear last week)

United need to bounce back from their first loss of the season to Wolves last week. Victory would just about put them clear of City in the title race and leave Arsenal as the only real challenger.

It is about 15 minutes until kick off, so what's on offer today? Of course derby bragging rights are no small consideration, but in terms of the title race this is a crucial match also.

Meanwhile, Michael Owen (who is on the bench) has been attracting interest from Newcastle - but not the club he used to play for: http://es.pn/elkM5G

Even Arsene Wenger is keen to watch this match, read his thoughts here: http://es.pn/e0R9Ez

So, some pre-match reading to tickle your fancy. Start with our preview by site editor John Brewin right here: http://soccernet.espn.go.com/preview/_/id/292922?cc=3436

Perhaps the other most interesting point on the team news is Smalling in at the back for United with Ferdinand and Evans both out, so his battle with Tevez will be one to watch.

So it will be two similar formations, 4-3-3 v 4-3-3, only time will tell whether that will lead to a cagey match. City have developed a reputation for setting out a defensive stall against the big guns of the Premier League and that seems likely at Old Trafford.

Nigel de Jong is not fit for City and Balotelli doesn't make the bench either.

For the visitors, big January signing Edin Dzeko is also left out, leaving Carlos Tevez to lead the line on his own.

The big news there is that Sir Alex Ferguson has left out his top scorer Berbatov to go with Rooney alone up front ahead of a five-man midfield, as he has so often done in the big matches in recent times

City: Hart; Richards, Kompany, Lescott, Zabaleta; Milner, Barry; David Silva, Yaya Toure, Kolarov; Tevez

First up, some team news to get you started. United: Van der Sar; O'Shea, Smalling, Vidic, Evra; Nani, Fletcher, Scholes, Anderson, Giggs; Rooney

Hello all, and welcome to Soccernet's live commentary of the big Manchester derby as ladder leaders United take on third-placed City. I'm Brett Taylor

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2011/0210/berbatovandtevezcelebsplit_275x155.jpg">

Paul Scholes believes <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/879070/paul-scholes:-manchester-city-not-up-with-big-three-just-yet" target="_blank">City need to end their trophy drought if they're to join the elite</a>.

Commentary will appear from 1245 GMT.

Dzeko is off getting his head patched up after being caught by Vidic's accidental elbow in the air. Bad timing with a goal needed

Silva, then SWP have crossed headed away by a leaping Vidic

A slow build up ends up with a hopeful shot by SWP but a corner is the reward

Corner to City

Vidic halts another attack as Tevez looks for Silva in the box

United keep possession rather than trying to cross, and eventually it's a goal kick as the move breaks down

Evra receives some attention, perhaps just to slow things down

What a turning point that goal could be for Wayne Rooney. Now United have a free kick near the left corner after Toure was late trying to block Evra's cross

Dzeko fires over immediately after, having combined with Barry inside the United box

Berbatov! His shot is tame after Fletcher found him free on the left.

Toure fires wide from range but everyone is in shock after one of the great Manchester derby goals

Scholes finds Nani with a clever first time pass to the right, he stands up a cross to the back post and Rooney acrobatically blasts it back into the far corner from 10 yards! Old Trafford explodes!

<B>United 2-1 City!!!</b>

<B>An unbelievable bicycle kick!!!</B>

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL ROOOONEY!!!</b>

City maintain possession for a minute as we all catch our breath but now United are back on the ball

Both teams are using 4-4-2s after the substitutions and the game has opened right up

Now City attack again, it could go either way in the last 15 minutes

Barry had cut down Rooney but the referee played advantage then gave him a warning after

Nani shoots high and wide yet again on his left foot after he beat three players on a superb dribble from half way

Wright-Phillips tries a give and go into Dzeko, but he is bustled away from the striker's classy backheel

Giggs gets another chance down the left but the immense Kompany steps out to take the ball away from him

Silva goes down in the area now but he collided fairly with Vidic

Tevez lines up a strike from range but Wright-Phillips gets in his way and the move ends

Tevez, and then Rooney, have passes cut out as possession passes back and forth

Giggs turns back the clock to beat two players and cut the ball back for Scholes but an interception ruins a lovely move by the veterans

Dzeko receives the ball in the box with back to goal...but he's offside.

Tevez gets a shot in as the pace lifts but it's blocked and Van Der Sar collects

Now Scholes hits Nani on the right with great vision but his low cross is gathered by Hart. It's opening up now

While that was happening Berbatov has come on as Ferguson looks to get his lead back

Tevez! Saved! Silva's ball found him all too free but Van Der Sar saved brilliantly with his feet anyway

Scholes was booked for a late tackle and City have a set piece to attack

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Anderson comes off for Berbatov

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Scholes

It's all level at Old Trafford! Wright-Phillips dribbles down the right, cuts the ball low across the box and Dzeko's stretching shot ricochets in off Silva's back. Who will it go to?

<B>Dzeko scores!!!</b>

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> CITY!!!

Smalling now has a lot more to think about with the big Bosnian striker Dzeko taking him on

Tevez, free to drop deeper, combines well with Silva but once in the box Tevez's cross is blocked well by Vidic

Barry clears a Giggs cross after Fletcher hit the winger with a great through ball

Milner has his hamstring iced up on the bench

Dzeko joins Tevez up front and it's now more of a 4-4-2 for City

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Dzeko on for Milner for City

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2011/0212/nanigoal20110212_275x155.jpg"><br>Nani slots past Joe Hart.

United continue to attack but Hart now collects a blocked Giggs cross

United have a throw now. It flows from end to end.

United attack while Milner is down hurt and after Kompany's great tackle to halt Rooney, Nani has yet another shot on his left foot but misses at the near post from 18 yards

Nani shoots wide!

Van Der Sar saves from Silva! After the third cross was cleared the Spaniard had a pop from range, well held

It was Toure's weak header dealt with. Vidic heads out the follow up

Cleared near the line by Rooney!

Scholes did a terrible backpass in the air that van der Sar couldn't control

Corner to City

Nani chases down an O'Shea through ball but Lescott does well to shield it out for a goal kick.

Looks like SWP on the right, Silva on the left, still a 4-3-3 for City, but with more width down the right

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Kolarov off for Wright-Phillips for City

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2011/0212/naniceleb220110212_275x155.jpg"><br>Nani celebrates his 41st minute goal.

Richards slides in to tackle Giggs and it's a throw to United in the corner

Foul by Barry on Fletcher on half way and United move the ball on

He shielded the ball instead of passing then fell down once he had lost out to Vidic, poorly done

Toure goes down in the box...no penalty

News in that Mancini was apparently talking to David Platt and Brian Kidd outside the dressing room for at least ten minutes during half time, perhaps searching for the tactical answers

City have the ball early in this half but Rooney is caught just offside as United look to break

City get on the front foot as Tevez drives into the side of the box, his cross is cleared to Toure, and his driven cross finds no one

No changes at half time

<b>Second Half</b>

Of course, there are six Premier League matches kicking off right after this one, and we will be covering those live on Soccernet. You can chat to Dale Johnson and myself as we keep you abreast of all the goals and highlights, up to the minute

But don't forget City had the best chance of the half outside of the goal, as Silva poked his shot just wide from a tight angle early on

If history is anything to go by, United should go on with this: The team scoring first has won the past nine Manchester derbies

A reminder that Kompany and Milner are in the book after each chopping down Rooney. The game has been refereed well by Andre Marriner

While you wait for the second half, have a read of Steven Gerrard's heart-breaking tale of losing his mate Fernando Torres to Chelsea: http://es.pn/gT0etT

<i>Opta Stats</i> Nani has been directly involved - scoring or assisting - 19 goals for United in his last 20 Premier League appearances.

Silva has been the player of the half, but that man Nani again is involved when it matters

But now Mancini will need to consider whether to open up the game with the introduction of Dzeko

With the teams matched up evenly in shape, attackers had to work hard for space and both sides did create the odd opening

It was Nani's goal late in the half that separates the sides after an engrossing, if not thrilling, first half

<B>United 1-0 City</b>

<B>Half Time</b>

United pile on the pressure as Evra and Giggs get low crosses cleared but City might survive til the break

Two minutes added on

His long-range effort flies over as United push towards half time.

Shot by Giggs! Over.

The crowd shout for a pen but it never was, Kolarov defended Anderson well

United come again after Zabaleta slides ahead of Nani this time

In a chess-match of a game, it was a simple situation with the goalkeeper's clearance that led to the goal, but a bit of brilliance from Giggs and Nani turned it into a goal

But United clear to racous cheers

The atmosphere and tempo has lifted as Nani fouls Kolarov now.

It's all happening all of a sudden. Milner sweeps out Rooney's legs.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Milner

And a backflip celebration to boot. 1-0 United in the derby!

A long kick by Van Der Sar is contested by Rooney, Giggs gets to the second ball and plays a sublime first time half volley pass into Nani's path, he beats Zabaleta to break into the box and slots it home low to the right

<B>Nani scores!!!</b>

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> United!!!

A short corner is cleared at the back post by Fletcher and Smalling wins a free kick to get United up field

Lescott lost his boot for a moment...

The first corner is cleared for another

Silva popped up in the box and his drive hit Evra in the chest

Penalty shout by City...not given. It's a corner instead

Nani led Zabaleta on a merry dance and eventually cut in onto his left foot once more, but perhaps he should have passed this time

Nani with yet another shot. Well over the bar.

Another save by Hart. This time Nani popped up on the left but Richards' block took the sting off the shot. United continue to probe.

Rooney's pass is cleared. City are defending well but United's final ball has been poor so far

Giggs found a good cross this time as the big right back made a late run to the back post but Hart held the header well

O'Shea header saved!

Now Zabaleta fouls Nani on half way, it was a little bit late but he escapes with just a talking to, probably fair enough.

Kolarov picks up a loose ball just outside the box but his right foot, his weaker foot, send the ball well over.

Half and hour gone and it has been a very even start overall.

Giggs gives the ball away as his slow start continues and Toure beats 4 players to maintain possession in his own half.

Kolarov and Zabaleta both hit cross-shots into the box from the left but both are blocked and now Silva is offside.

Toure was forced wide and Vidic sorted him out. Throw to City.

Scholes hits Nani with an unbelievable switch but two more crosses come to nothing. City counter now.

Nani cuts inside again and this time tries to find Anderson's good run, but it's defended well by Richards. All United at the moment though.

Nani's cross evades three United targets in the box after a nice switch by Scholes, who is starting to get on the ball more.

Rooney is getting a word now for having a little revenge kick on Kompany. It's a battle to watch

Silva is constantly finding space to dictate City's attack, United need to get closer to him somehow

Good advantage by Marriner but Giggs' poor cross ends a promising counter by United

City defend the follow-up well and now Anderson fouls Toure to relieve the pressure

Kompany slides in to deny Evra's charge onto a nice Anderson pass into the box

United win it back when Toure slips, they string some passes together, then Fletcher hits a 40-yard pass to...no one. Throw in City.

And after that flurry, City back in possession

Now O'Shea clatters Lescott and it's a free kick to City in their own corner

Kompany has felled Rooney from behind and Marriner comes back to book him

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Kompany

A good United move ends when Rooney was brought then wasn't in the box for the cross during advantage.

Another City move ends with van der Sar but they have United pinned back for now.

City's midfield is looking the more creative so far.

Corner cleared, van der Sar has the second cross from deep.

Silva releases Toure with a superb reverse pass and his cross inside the box is blocked out by Smalling

Corner City!

Silva has been heavily involved in City's attacks, drifting across the front line. Tevez isn't dropping too deep.

FYI, Toure means Yaya Toure - his brother Kolo is on the bench for now

Kolarov finds Toure, but his back post header goes over

Free kick to City! Barry releases Zabaleta down the left and O'Shea bumps him over to the side of the area.

Richards wins a meaty 50-50 with Evra but City give up possession through Silva and now it's a throw-in to City on half way. Some mismatch in terms of size.

A move that starts with the goalkeeper works its way to Nani on the right, he cuts in onto his left foot and fires a fierce shot narrowly over from 20 yards

Nani shoots just over!

Both sides are moving the ball forward well despite the congestion with three central midfielders on both teams

Tevez eventually finds a pocket of space from a Silva pass but his cross floats over the byline

A City move starts as Richards robs Scholes in midfield and now City have a throw on the left

Goal kick to City to relieve some pressure

Tevez is disposed and now Giggs wins a throw high up the pitch

Taken short again, Anderson tries to turn in the box but Hart cleans up

Now Nani whips it in, it's another corner

Taken short, Giggs weaves into the box but Zabaleta tackles him for another corner...

Corner now to United

Superb interchange of passes from Yaya Toure, to Tevez, to Silva's 3rd man run, but he misses the far post by inches from a tight angle

Great chance Silva! Just wide!

City now holding possession, it's a rather slow tempo with both sides just settling in gently rather than flying out of the blocks

Still with the hosts now. City looking to play the ball out on the ground and Tevez earns a free kick on half way

United on the ball now, Rooney goes down in the box under Kompany's strong header but it was fair.

Giggs to take. Its evades the pack but Hart claims the second cross.

<B>Corner</b> to United

And here comes <B>kick-off</b>

City have Dzeko, Jo and Wright-Phillips among their attacking options but we've seen how Tevez almost always plays better alone up front.

United have Berbatov, Hernandez and Owen all on the bench should they need a goal later in the match.

Players are shaking hands, Old Trafford is full of people and noise, and the talking is over once again. All that's left is to see how the latest installment in this great rivalry plays out.

Right before kick-off, have a listen to United's 'interesting' new club song if you haven't already. I dare you... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=422mQac48HQ&feature=player_embedded#at=184

The players are now in the tunnel

Here's a quick stat for you: Berbatov has scored 35% of United's goals. Yet he is on the bench due to Fergie's preference to play with 5 midfielders in games like this one. Time will tell whether it will work.

Still waiting? Have you seen Jon Carter's piece on Berbatov and Tevez - the odd couple? One is on the bench but he could yet have a say late in the match. http://es.pn/fMpORJ

A win for City, however, would close the gap to two (with United still having a game in hand) and allow Arsenal to really close the gap if they beat Wolves later (but Wolves spoiled United's chance to go clear last week)

United need to bounce back from their first loss of the season to Wolves last week. Victory would just about put them clear of City in the title race and leave Arsenal as the only real challenger.

It is about 15 minutes until kick off, so what's on offer today? Of course derby bragging rights are no small consideration, but in terms of the title race this is a crucial match also.

Meanwhile, Michael Owen (who is on the bench) has been attracting interest from Newcastle - but not the club he used to play for: http://es.pn/elkM5G

Even Arsene Wenger is keen to watch this match, read his thoughts here: http://es.pn/e0R9Ez

So, some pre-match reading to tickle your fancy. Start with our preview by site editor John Brewin right here: http://soccernet.espn.go.com/preview/_/id/292922?cc=3436

Perhaps the other most interesting point on the team news is Smalling in at the back for United with Ferdinand and Evans both out, so his battle with Tevez will be one to watch.

So it will be two similar formations, 4-3-3 v 4-3-3, only time will tell whether that will lead to a cagey match. City have developed a reputation for setting out a defensive stall against the big guns of the Premier League and that seems likely at Old Trafford.

Nigel de Jong is not fit for City and Balotelli doesn't make the bench either.

For the visitors, big January signing Edin Dzeko is also left out, leaving Carlos Tevez to lead the line on his own.

The big news there is that Sir Alex Ferguson has left out his top scorer Berbatov to go with Rooney alone up front ahead of a five-man midfield, as he has so often done in the big matches in recent times

City: Hart; Richards, Kompany, Lescott, Zabaleta; Milner, Barry; David Silva, Yaya Toure, Kolarov; Tevez

First up, some team news to get you started. United: Van der Sar; O'Shea, Smalling, Vidic, Evra; Nani, Fletcher, Scholes, Anderson, Giggs; Rooney

Hello all, and welcome to Soccernet's live commentary of the big Manchester derby as ladder leaders United take on third-placed City. I'm Brett Taylor

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2011/0210/berbatovandtevezcelebsplit_275x155.jpg">

Paul Scholes believes <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/879070/paul-scholes:-manchester-city-not-up-with-big-three-just-yet" target="_blank">City need to end their trophy drought if they're to join the elite</a>.

Commentary will appear from 1245 GMT.