It turns out the rumours were true, then. Robin Van Persie is out of this afternoon’s Manchester derby at the Etihad due to a groin strain, with Wayne Rooney partnered by the fit-again Danny Welbeck up top for David Moyes’ side.

The news is set to have a significant effect on the Fantasy Premier League (FPL), where the Dutchman was the most captained player this Gameweek – all the more so given that Villa’s Christian Benteke was the most vice-captained, before a hip injury forced him off at Carrow Road with a one-point return. Van Persie owners will be somewhat relieved that his manager reckons he could be back for Wednesday’s Capital One Cup clash against Liverpool, describing the injury as “nothing serious”.

The United boss makes two other changes for this afternoon’s clash from the side that saw off Palace in the previous Gameweek, bringing in Chris Smalling and Marouane Fellaini for Fabio and Anderson.

Manuel Pellegrini makes four alterations from City’s last league match. Vincent Kompany, Fernandinho, Sergio Aguero and Jesus Navas all return as Javi Garcia, James Milner, Stevan Jovetic and Jack Rodwell drop out. Micah Richards is on the bench after a hamstring injury, though there’s still no place for David Silva.

In this afternoon’s other match, Craig Bellamy and David Marshall return for Cardiff as Malky Mackay’s side attempt to extend their unbeaten run to four games. Tottenham boss Andre Villas-Boas makes just a single alteration for the visitors – Kyle Naughton comes in at left-back for the stricken Danny Rose, who has failed to recover from the ankle injury sustained against Tromso in Thursday’s Europa League match.

Our Dugout Discussion Chatroom remains open for those looking for some real-time banter on this afternoon’s turn of events.