All or nothing derby?
United’s long unbeaten Premier League run of 23 games sees the Reds arrive at the Etihad knowing a victory will take them above City and into fourth spot while also opening the door for Arsenal to make a late sprint for the top four.
A win for the Blues, however, would move Pep Guardiola’s side up to third and further strengthen City’s grip on the final Champions League berth, particularly given Liverpool’s shock 2-1 home loss to Crystal Palace.
A draw would leave the waters still somewhat muddied!
Super Sergio
Scoring 30 goals in one season is no mean feat for any striker, but Sergio Aguero has made a habit out of it since joining City.
This is the third time in six seasons he’s managed it and with six Premier League games still to go, he can still top his best total of 32 set during the 2014/15 campaign.
Kun has now drawn level with Tommy Johnson 166 goals to make him the joint-second top scorer on the Club’s history.
The top scorer in the top flight, but still Sergio fails to trouble the PFA Team of the Year...
Gabriel Jesus poised to return?
He travelled with the team to Wembley but played no part in the FA Cup semi-final so should we expect to see Gabriel Jesus play some part in Thursday’s Manchester derby?
The young Brazilian has been missing since the 2-0 win over Bournemouth back in February but was close to being included in the matchday squad versus the Gunners.
The goal-scoring form of Sergio Aguero means there is no need to take unnecessary risks by bringing him back too soon, but will want him in his squad the moment he is sure he is 100% fit.
Five-win target
City hold their Champions League fate in their own hands.
In effect, the Blues are in a six-game mini league and win at least five of those matches and a top four spot is guaranteed.
Liverpool and Arsenal can only reach 78 points so 15 points would take City to 79 and guarantee a finish of at least fourth, but more likely third – there are, however, some tricky games coming up and as Crystal Palace proved, no team – whether struggling or not - can be taken for granted.
