The defending champions come to the Etihad Stadium on Sunday at 16:30 (UK) with both sides desperate for a win to help their title challenge and dent a rivals’ hopes.
With the two clubs having dominated the Premier League in the last eight years – six of those titles won by City – it’s not a surprise that both are among the favourites again along with early pacesetters Arsenal.
“[It’s a] very important match of course,” Marmoush said. “For us a team, they are the ones who won the league last season, they are among the teams fighting for the title this year. So for us they are one of the teams we must beat.
“Liverpool and Arsenal, there are many strong teams of course but these are the decisive matches, if you win you stay on the right track.
“With every match you win, you move closer to the top of the league.”
The eyes of the world will be on the encounter, including a proud Egypt keen to watch Omar Marmoush and his international teammate Mohamed Salah.
The City forward says that domestic rivalries are put aside when they join up for their country, who have already qualified for next summer’s World Cup.
“Of course, playing against Salah is a big thing for me,” he added. “To be two Egyptian players in the Premier League, competing for the title, but I hope Manchester City win, we’ll see.
“We try to keep those things separate when we’re in the national team – we always try to joke around and create an atmosphere away from football.
“Because our whole lives revolve around football, when we go to our national team and still talk about football with your friends, we try to have fun and talk about other topics.
“I feel that people are proud to see two Egyptian players in the Premier League, and both playing for two of the best clubs in the world.
“Mohamed Salah and everything he has achieved, the history he has already written and continues to write, I feel that the fans are proud of both of us.
“When a match like this come around, their happiness in seeing two Egyptian players on the pitch is enough for them and means a lot.
“In the end whoever wins is simply the one who was successful on the day, him and his team because you don’t play alone.
“Everyone supports their own team, everyone has his favourite club, and that’s what makes the difference but I’m sure the fans support both of us.”
SPECIAL EDITION MATCHDAY PROGRAMME
To mark Pep Guardiola hitting 1,000 games as a manager, our matchday programme will be a special edition celebrating this remarkable achievement
This issue will also be guest edited by the great Manchester band and celebrated City fans Doves.
Andy and Jez Williams pay tribute to the boss as well as picking their favourite ever City XIs, celebrating Manchester music and memorable nights at Maine Road and sharing their Blues memories.
Costing £4, this is a programme not to be missed and is available to buy at the ground, while supporters not able to attend the game can also order it online.
