LIVE: Manchester United Vs. Manchester City: Coverage of Sunday's Derby

The most anticipated match of the 2011-2012 Premier League season happens to also be a local rivalry outside London.

In a derby with title implications, defending champion Manchester United host first-place Manchester City at Old Trafford on Sunday.

United trails City by just two points, as neither club has a loss this season, but City has one more victory than does United.

Both clubs go into the match with generally healthy squads. For United, Tom Cleverley (foot), Darron Gibson (shoulder), and Rafael (ankle) continue to be sidelined, but Sir Alex Ferguson will have a rested Rio Ferdinand.

For Roberto Mancini's squad, playmaker Samir Nasri left Etihad Stadium limping heavily with a leg injury against Villarreal on Tuesday, and was replaced by James Milner, while Nigel De Jong has damaged muscle in his hip from the match. Both may be ready by Sunday.

Forward Sergio Aguero trained on Monday, played on Tuesday, and should be a vital part of the Citizens' attack this weekend, which is great news for Mancini.

When the two clubs played at Etihad Stadium last season, it was a dull, scoreless match. The fireworks were saved for Old Trafford months later.

Wayne Rooney, who had previously faced heavy criticism for his play and attitude toward his club, stunned millions of viewers around the world with a bicycle kick that electrified the home stadium. United got the win, and went on to win the 2010-2011 Premier League title, while City finished third.

City would get the best of United in the FA Cup, with a 1-0 victory at Wembley Stadium in the semifinals, and then would go on to defeat Stoke in the finals.

This season, both clubs reloaded with some key players, and it has paid off. Not only are City and United winning, but their victories are convincing. In its six wins, United has outscored its Premier League opponents, 23-4, while in City's seven victories, it has outscored its opponents, 25-4.

Many experts predicted it would come down to United against City for the title, and so far it looks like that prediction has been accurate. Chelsea is in third place, and trails United by one point, but it has not dominated the competition like the Manchester clubs have.

For Manchester United, the player to watch is Nemanja Vidic. One of the best center backs in the world, Vidic has returned from injury and is coming off a red-carded match in Champions League play. He will be called upon to slow down Nasri and David Silva, and prevent through balls to Aguero. With Ferdinand next to him, Vidic might be at his best in this important match.

City will need a big effort from Yaya Toure. The defensive midfielder is a very hard worker, and will need to contain an often speedy and versatile United midfield. Rooney, and whomever Ferguson decides to put in central midfield, have the ability to create plenty of opportunities, and Toure will need to slow down the Red Devils' attack before it gets to the defenders.