We take on our neighbours in the 12:30 (UK time) kick-off on Saturday.
Foden scored a hat-trick in the reverse fixture at the Etihad Stadium but he can’t wait for this latest encounter with the Red Devils on away soil.
He said: “It means a lot to play in a derby.
“It is just a special occasion with the fans and how they celebrate goals.
“I am just looking forward to playing at Old Trafford against United and embracing the challenge.
“I believe that [United] have had time with the new manager now and they look a lot stronger to when we faced them earlier in the season.
MANCHESTER DERBY | MATCH PREVIEW
“We just know what we are going to be facing and that is a strong United team who look on form.
“We don’t read too much into opponents and we just look at ourselves and if we are performing right then on our day, we can beat anyone in the world.
“I think that is the mentality that we must have. We need to go into the game believing that we are the champions and just play our football.”
When Foden was growing up, he admits it was United who were in the ascendancy in these fixtures, of which this is the 189th.
But now, he says it’s ‘completely different’ with City winning six Premier Leagues, two FA Cups, six League Cups and three Community Shields since 2008.
Pep Guardiola has masterminded seven top-flight victories over our neighbours since taking charge at the start of 2016/17, with just four defeats and two draws.
But Foden is more than aware that, given the derby edge, either team can emerge victorious on Saturday.
MANCHESTER DERBY | MANAGER’S PREVIEW
He continued: “It has massively changed.
“When I was a kid, every derby it used to be United as the favourites most of the time.
“Now, it is completely different. It has been a massive change but on any day, anyone can win.
“We know that on the weekend we are going to have to be on our best form to even get a result.
“I think the football has changed and how it is played, but it is the same derby.”
WATCH: Extended Highlights: City 6-3 United
Foden bagged a treble - along with Erling Haaland - the last time the two sides played as we won 6-3 at the Etihad Stadium.
He remembers the occasion fondly – mainly because of the joy it brought to the fans.
He said: “It was a really pleasing moment for me and Erling to both score hat-tricks and to help the team win as well.
“To see all of the fans at the end of the game and to see how happy they all were meant a lot to both of us.
MANCHESTER DERBY | GUNDOGAN PREVIEW
“You could tell with the smiles on our faces that we were just enjoying every moment. I think it is in my top three [career highlights] so far.”
Victory on Saturday would take us two points behind Arsenal - for at least 24 hours, with the Gunners also in derby action as they face Tottenham away on Sunday, kick-off 16:30 (UK time).
Our midfield ace knows it will be a ‘challenge’ to chase down Arsenal under Mikel Arteta, a man he knows well from his time as assistant coach here at City, but he will relish it.
He added: “They have a great manager in Mikel. We all knew how he was.
“You need the time and you look now and they look so strong in every department.
“It is not a surprise because we know what the Premier League is like and how tough teams are.
MANCHESTER DERBY | TV LISTINGS
“It is a challenge for us now to step up and try to retain the Premier League.
“Mikel has got great ideas and understands how we play as well.
“He has taken that to Arsenal and now they play similar to us and look very strong.”
