In spite of suffering defeat at the hands of West Ham in their last Premier League outing, Man City will still be in confident mood going into the first Manchester Derby of the season. City find themselves in third place in the league, six points behind leaders Chelsea, and will be looking to close the gap by emulating their performance and result in the 4-1 home win against United last year.

One man who has hit top form the get-go this season, is City’s Argentinian international striker Sergio Aguero. The 26-year-old forward has already bagged 9 goals this season, and the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index reveals that he is scoring a goal every 68 minutes and 40 seconds. He is not only the league’s joint top scorer, but he has hit the target more than any other Premier League player, with 22 efforts on target, and has the 6th most dribbles completed in the league. He is not afraid to be selfish when the opportunity presents itself, and he is 19/20 to score anytime with 888sport.com.

Behind Aguero, David Silva is the man who makes everything tick for the blue half of Manchester, with the 28 year old Spaniard’s prowess revealed by the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index. The Spanish international has completed the seventh most passes in the league this year with 564 passes, but 384 of those have been completed in the opposition half, which is the third highest in the league. His 86.82% pass completion rate means he will rarely give the ball away and with two goals and two assists to his name, he will be a danger at all times.

At the back, Gael Clichy has been most impressive for the blues back line, as illustrated by the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index. The French international full back has racked up a squad best 22 tackles won, winning 75.86% of his tackles. He has also made 24 clearances and 16 interceptions. He can also prove a threat on the ball, completing 88.89% of his dribbles so far this campaign, and completing 80.16%.

Last weekend saw an injury time Robin Van Persie goal earn the red half of Manchester a point at home to league leaders Chelsea, but United may well face an even stiffer test this weekend. They will not need to be reminded of the punishment that City handed out to them in both fixtures last season, and will need their brightest talents on top form if they are to get anything out of the game.

Club record signing Angel Di Maria certainly falls into that category. The Argentina international has proved himself on the big stage at the World Cup, being named man of the match in the Champions League final and now the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that he is delivering in the Premier League. The former Galactico has racked up four assists and three goals in the league since joining the club. His attacking intent is summed up by him completing a squad best 16 dribbles. and completing 10 crosses; again, more than anybody else in the United squad. He is 7/2 to score anytime with 888sport.com.

If last weekend was anything to go by, Marouane Fellaini is certainly capable of performing in the big games. The Belgian international grabbed his first assist for the goal, having only recently scored his first goal for the club. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index reveals that he has won 85.71% of his tackles this season, racking up five interceptions in just 169 minutes of football this season. He’s hit the target with 80% of his shots, and has definitely put himself in contention for a starting spot this weekend.

Last weekend saw David De Gea keep Manchester United in the match with some fantastic saves. He will need to be at the absolute top of his game to keep out a side that has scored 19 goals already this season, and is lead by Sergio Aguero. The Spain international has made 18 saves already this term, but playing against a side that has averaged over two goals a game so far in the campaign, the 23 year old will certainly have his work cut out.

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