With the Manchester derby edging closer, 888sport takes a closer look at the meaning behind the rivalry and what it means for the fans.

Manchester City fan, Steven McInerney was keen to underline just how much it means to the area and how the whole city is immersed in the rivalry when it comes to derby day. 

He added that it means the most to local fans because of the consequences – having to go to work the following day and endure the taunts of their opposite fans, as bragging rights linger until the two sides collide again. 

On the other hand, Flex detailed that the tie doesn’t mean as much to him as the Liverpool game, an emotion he feels is replicated by a lot of reds that are based outside of Manchester. 

Ped of ToffeeTV compared the clash to the Merseyside Derby, emphasising his belief that the claims of Liverpool fans that Manchester United is their biggest game of the season are merely made to hurt the Toffees supporters. 

The panel highlighted that the demographic of the fanbase plays a big role in how much the derby means. 

This weekend’s derby comes at a pivotal time, as Manchester City chase top spot and United desperately seek to bounce back from their embarrassing performance against Liverpool last weekend. 

It’s almost unfathomable, given the contrasting fortunes of the two sides this season, that if United can overturn the odds and defeat their local rivals, they move level on points with Guardiola’s champions, who also suffered defeat last weekend at the hands of Crystal Palace.