The Portuguese midfielder has been in magnificent form for City so far this season and was at his inspirational best once again in our midweek Champions League win over Club Brugge.
Now the focus is all about the 186th Manchester derby with Bernardo looking to help City sign off on a high ahead of November’s international break.
And ahead of Saturday’s latest clash with our nearest rivals, the 27-year-old says he knows the special significance behind the fixture.
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“It feels great [to win a derby]. It’s the same everywhere. I’m from Portugal, I was brought up at Benfica. If you beat Sporting Lisbon, it’s the best game of the season,” Bernardo revealed.
“For us, when we play against Manchester United or Liverpool, beating them has a special taste.
“For them as well, I imagine. It’s an important game for us, for the fans, so we are going to try our best to win that game.
“We are going to try to score as many goals as we can in Old Trafford, knowing that we play against a very good team, one of the main contenders for the Premier League.
“We know that all big games are difficult, but we are going to try to compete at our best.
“We have scored so many goals this season already. We know that when we are focused and do well, we are a team that has the capacity to score four or five goals per game.
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“Of course, that doesn´t happen in all the games.”
The Old Trafford assignment will again see City operate without a traditional striker as such, with the squad’s versatility and tactical flexibility allowing Pep Guardiola a variety of selection options up-front.
His players have more than delivered with City boasting 15 different scorers as the goals have been shared out across the squad.
From Bernardo’s point of view there is even more to come in terms of City’s goal potential.
“We try to score as many goals as we can,” the Portuguese international added.
“Last season, we couldn’t count on Kun Aguero, because he was injured for most of the season. So, we played without a striker and we were very successful.
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“We won the Premier League, the Carabao Cup and we reached the final of the Champions League, so we are kind of used to it now.
“Of course, during my first three seasons at Manchester City, we played with a clear striker and right now we don´t. Playing without a striker brings definitely good things and some less good things.
“Overall, I think what we did last season was unbelievable. What we are doing this season is good, but it could be better.
“What we have in mind is that everyone attacks, everyone defends, and when we arrive at the final third, we try to put as many players as we can in the box, and everyone can score.”
Reflecting on his own displays during the first three months of the campaign, Bernardo said he was satisfied with his form.
And looking ahead to Saturday and beyond, he said his focus was to keep contributing to City’s quest for success and to maintain consistency.
“I’m happy that I’m doing well. I’m the same player that I have always been over the last four seasons,” Silva added.
“I have always been here. Of course, I’m happy. Obviously, as a player you always have your ups and downs. I always try to be as consistent as I can.
“I’m happy with my current form and I hope I can keep it like that.”
