Image source, Mail on Sunday

The Mail On Sunday, external claim Manchester United are willing to pay striker Robin van Persie, who is ruled out of this afternoon's derby through injury, £5m to leave Old Trafford in the summer to save on his £250,000 a week wages.

Robbie Savage
Ex-Wales international and BBC Sport analyst

"Vincent Kompany is wrong. Yes, the derby is a chance for City to give themselves a much-needed lift by putting in a big performance in a massive match that would make a statement about how they still can finish a disappointing season on a high.

Image source, Getty Images

"But the bad news is they are playing United about four weeks too late.

"Louis van Gaal's side are flying after beating Tottenham and Liverpool and finally putting in some stylish attacking performances.

"And while United's players are in form and full of confidence, City's squad appears to be the complete opposite. Those factors do not go out of the window just because they are playing their local rivals."

A good time to play Manchester United? Not everyone agrees. Here's one who doesn't.

Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany says it is a good time for his side to play local rivals Manchester United.

City's recent record of three defeats in five games, coupled with United's five successive wins, has seen the champions slip from second to fourth.

Kompany said: "It's a good moment to go into a derby. It's the perfect place for us to go and try to rectify what we've had. A derby is a derby. It doesn't matter what place you are in the league, it's a derby."

Former Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson
Football Focus

Image source, Reuters

"I don't think any of the Manchester City players, without exception, have played as well as they did last season. Vincent Kompany is a case in point. A year ago you could have played him in defence with anybody, because he was unbeatable, fantastic. But now all of a sudden he is starting to look average.

"This is the kind of game that gets the juices flowing, the kind of game when Sergio Aguero, David Silva, will perform. But can't they get themselves going against smaller teams? How daft is that? I do think City will be fine though. I actually think they will come back and finish above United."

Image source, BBC Sport

So this is why Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini is unhappy. At one stage in 2015, Manchester City and Chelsea had the same points and the same goal difference.

Now, City are nine points behind. And have played a game more than Jose Mourinho's side. A win at Loftus Road will restore Chelsea's seven-point lead at the top of the table.

But there is also a vital game at Old Trafford as Champions League hopefuls Manchester United and Manchester City go head-to-head.

So what is making the back pages of the national newspapers today?

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini is a title winner. And normally a very calm man. His quotes are normally less-than-exciting. Not today. He is not too happy.

Image source, Independent on Sunday

Pellegrini's assessment that his side have "thrown our season into the garbage" dominates the back page of the Independent on Sunday., external

Get Inspired
With BBC Sport

Not only do we want the best derby you have ever seen, we also want your best personal derby experiences.

Did you bag a hat-trick as your Sunday League team came back to beat your nearest rivals? Did you miss a last-minute penalty and then have to buy a round of drinks as a punishment in the pub later on?

Were you a hero? Were you a villain?

Tell us your stories, make us laugh and there is a good chance your words will appear on this page. This time tweet us using #getinspired, leave a message on the BBC Sport Facebook page or text us on 81111.

So how can we have fun without your input? There are two tasty derbies for your enjoyment. And as always we want your thoughts.

Image source, Getty Images

We want to know what is the best derby you have ever seen and why? It can be from any derby at any time. Just tell us what made it special.

Tweet us on #bbcfootball, post a message on the BBC Sport Facebook page or text us on 81111.

Hello, good morning and how are you? So your horse didn't win the Grand National, so your favourite golfer is struggling in the Masters and your alarm didn't go off and you missed the Chinese Grand Prix.

But do not worry. Premier League football is coming up. And what a day it promises to be. There are not many bigger games in English football than the Manchester derby.

If that's not enough for you, we also start off with a tasty west London derby as QPR face possible champions-to-be Chelsea. QPR desperately need the points to try and improve their chances of staying in the Premier League. Chelsea can go seven points clear. It is going to be busy. It's going to be fun. Let's go.

There's nothing like a good derby. And there have certainly been some cracking Manchester derby matches at Old Trafford in recent years.

Remember Michael Owen's dramatic 90th-minute winner in a seven-goal thriller?

Image source, Getty Images

What about Wayne Rooney's spectacular overhead kick to win it in 2011?

Image source, Getty Images

Or even Mario Balotelli's 'Why Always Me' T-shirt goal celebration as United were hit for six?

Image source, Getty Images

And don't forget Edin Dzeko scoring twice as United were embarrassed at home last season.

Image source, Empics