5 Key Matchups To Watch During Manchester City vs. Manchester United

Adnan Januzaj has enjoyed more game time recently, and it will be good for his development starting against City at the Etihad Stadium. Januzaj will have important defensive duties to do, though, as the City fullbacks like to raid the flanks. It will leave space for Januzaj to exploit himself, but first and foremost, he must do his defensive work. Kolarov had a big impact on this exact fixture last season, and United cannot afford that again.

Marouane Fellaini has finally started to make his mark on the Manchester United team. His United career seems to be on an upward trajectory right now, whereas at City, Yaya Toure looks like he may be heading the opposite way. Toure has almost gone from hero to villain in just five months, and City desperately need the Ivorian to find some form. Given the circumstances, Toure and Fellaini will be one of the more interesting matchups on the field.

Robin van Persie will be looking for another goal after scoring the vital last-minute equalizer against Chelsea last weekend. He will have a formidable opponent in Vincent Kompany to try and get the better of. Not many do get the better of Kompany, but it will be a monster battle between two world-class players on the day.

Pablo Zabaleta is among the very best right-backs in the world, and Angel di Maria is among the very best wingers in the world. That means when the two come head to head, you're sure to get a gripping matchup to enjoy. United's new signing, di Maria, has been in scintillating form since arriving at Old Trafford, and going up against his fellow Argentine, Zabaleta should only bring out the best in both men.

Marcos Rojo will know all about Sergio Aguero with the two no doubt facing off against each other during the Argentina national team's training sessions. That may mean Rojo has learned a lot about Aguero, but it may also mean he is fully aware of just how much of a runaround Aguero might just be able to give him. It is a critical matchup, and one which may just define which way this Manchester derby will ultimately go.