Sky Sports views

Man City and Man United will lock horns on Sunday in a mouth-watering local derby, and a host of both clubs' former players gave Sky Sports News their thoughts on the match...

Last Updated: 07/12/12 3:10pm

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Gary Neville: Man United - 1992-2011

"It's more difficult to control your emotions in these games, particularly as a local lad, and I have had good and bad experiences in them. It's such a rivalry and you've got people in the same street and in the same family who are City and United fans. I think it's bigger than ever now, certainly bigger than when I was playing when the games weren't Championship-type games. Now they are really competitive - you think of the one at the end of last season - and they have grown in stature and it's good for Manchester in general."

Peter Reid: Man City - 1990-93

"City didn't do themselves justice in a hard Champions League group but they are still unbeaten in the Premier League, and with Man United on top of the division, they have a chance to redeem themselves in front of their own fans, who will be desperate to win this football match. United's 'keepers have struggled from dead balls and they will be worried about that, but they have got people who can get goals. Having said that, you can't get four every week like they did against Reading and they won't be able to do that, I don't think, against Man City, but I do have a feeling that there will be goals in the match."

Bryan Robson: Man United - 1981-94

"Teams are up for City that little bit more than they were last season because they are champions and when you go to their stadium people see that as a challenge. Last season City were eight points ahead and then United went on a surge and went seven points in front but City came back and won on goal difference. City won both derbies last year - 6-1 at Old Trafford and 1-0 at the Etihad - and I think the derbies will have a massive bearing on the title again this time around."

Andy Hinchliffe: Man City - 1986-90

"Neither side is great form and a derby is a great leveller anyway but I think the fact City are at home, and the results from last season, will make a difference. City need Yaya Toure and David Silva back in the side - but I think they are favourites for a game they cannot afford to lose. These games used to be blood and guts but they are a bit more European now and sides feel each other out - City starved United of possession last year and eventually got the winning goal - and I think we might see something similar, even though, United, three points ahead, can take more risks. I will go 2-1 City."

Lou Macari: Man United -1973-84

"This is the biggest derby match for United, bigger than Liverpool now, and this is of great importance with the two teams sitting at the top of the division, despite not being in form and conceding goals. United will want to get one over on their local rivals but they will be looking at going six points clear at the top, or at least not losing. However, it is a worry that their defence has been awful over the last few games. Sir Alex Ferguson will be hoping that Wayne Rooney is back to his best and they have Robin van Persie, too, but in derby games it is often someone under the radar that becomes the hero. United weren't good against Cluj but I think they can bounce back and sneak it 1-0."

To hear more from Hinchcliffe and Macari, hit the video at the top of the screen, and then watch City host United, 1pm, Sunday, Sky Sports 1 HD.