The Manchester derby is a highlight of any season and this Sunday's clash between City and United at the Etihad Stadium is no exception.
With Pep Guardiola's side still unbeaten in the Premier League and in their now-familiar position of top spot, a resounding victory over their neighbours would send a clear signal of intent.
But Jose Mourinho's United have showed signs in recent weeks of stirring from their sub-standard start to the season and now appear in a position to give City a decent contest.
We picked a combined team from both squads on form, consisting only of players who are available for selection this weekend.
GOALKEEPER
David de Gea (United)
On many occasions in the past few years, David de Gea has appeared to be the only thing standing between United and utter humiliation.
Unquestionably the best goalkeeper in the Premier League for his shot-stopping alone, he is also rightly regarded as one of the best - if not the best - in the world.
The Spaniard has only kept three clean sheets this season - including just one in the Premier League - but still gets the nod ahead of City's Ederson.
RIGHT-BACK
Kyle Walker (City)
There's little competition here with City boasting one of the best right-backs in European football in Kyle Walker.
The England international continues to excel, combining defensive strength and tracking back with marauding runs forward to support City's attack.
With Antonio Valencia out at the moment, Ashley Young has been deputising on that side but isn't in Walker's class.
CENTRE-BACK
John Stones (City)
England international Stones has started all but three of City's matches this season and has formed a strong partnership with Aymeric Laporte as Guardiola's first choice pairing.
City have conceded just four Premier League goals so far this season - fewer than anyone else - so it's little surprise City's centre-halves get the nod ahead of United's leaky back four.
Mourinho's side have often looked vulnerable and have conceded 18 goals in 11 Premier League matches, just one fewer than the number they've scored.
CENTRE-BACK
Aymeric Laporte (City)
The Frenchman has played every minute of City's Premier League and Champions League campaigns this season and looks assured alongside Stones at the heart of a frugal defence.
While Laporte didn't come cheap when City signed him for £57million from AThletic Bilbao midway through last season, he looks right at home in the Premier League and is just 24.
With Vincent Kompany getting on and Laporte currently favoured ahead of Nicolas Otamendi, he looks like being there for a few years to come.
LEFT-BACK
Benjamin Mendy (City)
This is a closer contest because United's Luke Shaw has undergone something of a renaissance this season and has won back the trust of Mourinho with some fine performances.
But the pick goes to Mendy, in outstanding form for City, on the basis of not only defensive reliability but his creativity pushing forward as well.
Mendy has supplied five assists in eight Premier League games this season, showing the quality of his crossing and passing.
DEFENSIVE MIDFIELD
Fernandinho (City)
Even at the age of 33, Fernaninho continues to provide the rock-solid foundation upon which City's attacking play can be based.
Working tirelessly to shield the defence, cutting off the opposition's passing lanes and acting as the link between front and back, the Brazilian is a key figure.
He would certainly get the nod ahead of Fred or Nemanja Matic in United's team, both of whom are inferior.
MIDFIELD
Bernardo Silva (City)
The Portugal international has seized his chance to impress in Kevin de Bruyne's injury absence this season, starting all but one of City's 11 Premier League matches.
With three goals to his credit, Silva has definitely played his part in making City's midfield one of the slickest in the game.
And while not in De Bruyne's class, you'd still say he's superior to anyone in United's midfield, including the infuriatingly inconsistent Paul Pogba.
MIDFIELD
David Silva (City)
City's captain has been in irresistible form since the start of the season and, at the age of 32, is promising quite some autumn to his highly impressive career.
With six goals and three assists to his credit in the early stages of the season, his influence in City's team remains undiminished.
On present form, United would struggle to come up with anyone who can match the Spaniard.
ATTACK
Raheem Sterling (City)
It is a struggle to find a player in better form in England this season. With seven goals and seven assists so far, Sterling continues to get better and better under Guardiola's guidance.
The England star comes into Sunday's derby in outstanding form and United will need to muster some decent resistance to keep him at bay.
His performances continue to get better and better and he's some way ahead of United's players in wide attacking positions.
CENTRE FORWARD
Sergio Aguero (City)
City supporters know they should enjoy and appreciate Sergio Aguero while they still can and he continues to deliver the goods week-in, week-out.
He is the Premier League joint-top scorer this season alongside Eden Hazard on seven goals and has 10 in all competitions.
While Romelu Lukaku looks likely to be available for United on Sunday, he's been in pretty poor form of late.
ATTACK
Anthony Martial (United)
It could easily be an all-City forward line with Leroy Sane and Riyad Mahrez also in good form, but Martial trumps them on the basis of his revival in recent weeks.
The Frenchman, whose Old Trafford future looked under some doubt earlier in the season, but five goals in his last four Premier League matches have been central to United's resurgence.
If United are to get anything out of Sunday's visit to the Etihad Stadium, then they'll need Martial to maintain his present sharpness in front of goal.
HOW OUR COMBINED XI MIGHT LINE UP
