Manchester United host Manchester City this afternoon with both sides carrying reasons for confidence. United have found goals; City have put together four straight wins. Old Trafford is about to test which run has greater weight.
United have rediscovered their punch
United's 4-0 Champions League win over Sabah on Thursday followed a 2-2 draw at Everton and a 5-2 victory over Ipswich Town. Nine goals across those three matches is a clear step forward after the 2-0 opening defeat at Hull City.
The other side of that sequence matters too. United conceded twice against both Ipswich and Everton, so their attacking lift has not always brought control. City are likely to ask harder questions if the derby becomes stretched.
City bring the steadier run
Manchester City have won all four matches since their Community Shield defeat. League victories over Bournemouth, Crystal Palace and Coventry City were followed by Tuesday's 2-0 Champions League win at Porto.
Nine goals scored and only two conceded across those four wins gives City the cleaner record. They have also kept back-to-back clean sheets, the sort of platform that can take the heat out of an away derby.
Can United turn goals into control?
United have enough attacking momentum to make this uncomfortable, especially with Old Trafford behind them. The key is whether they can threaten City without leaving the spaces that have contributed to six goals conceded in four competitive matches.
City arrive in better balance, but this is the first meeting of the season and the atmosphere will change the feel of every early challenge. A strong United start would quickly turn recent form into genuine belief.
Match details
Manchester United v Manchester City
Sunday 13 September, 16:30 BST
Premier League
Old Trafford
Follow the derby in the LiveFootballNow match centre for the latest score and match updates.
What to watch
Watch how United manage the moments immediately after losing the ball. Their recent goals give them licence to attack, but City's four-match run suggests one loose spell could be punished.