Sunday Dugout Discussion

Three Premier League clashes, with little doubt on the headline act. The Manchester derby gets proceedings underway as City host United in the early kick-off. Spurs’ visit to Everton is the meat in the sandwich, while Liverpool’s trip to Upton Park rounds off Sunday’s matches. As usual, our Dugout Discussion chatroom is now open to collect your musings as the ninety minutes tick by.

The team news from the Etihad is intriguing. Mario Balotelli starts up front for City, with Carlos Tevez and Edin Dzeko left on the bench. Matija Nastasic is back alongside Vincent Kompany with Joleon Lescott benched as Gael Clichy returns from injury at left-back. Samir Nasri is in the midfield where he’s joined by David Silva who overcomes a slight hamstring concern to start. As for United, they bring in Antonio Valencia on his return to fitness, with Ashley Young on the opposite flank in an attacking lineup. Tom Cleverley overcomes a calf injury to take his place alongside Michael Carrick in midfield, while Wayne Rooney and Robin Van Persie start in tandem as expected. Rooney’s position will be of particular interest.