Raheem Sterling, like a mouse tackling a lion, wins the ball well off Marouane Fellaini and is then fouled by Ander Herrera.

Kevin de Bruyne's free-kick goes past everyone with United's Marcus Rashford almost getting a touch.

No real pattern to the game yet, lots of turnover in possession. Vincent Kompany has cut out a couple of dangerous looking forward passes, but then City can't get the final pass in either. 

Image source, .

Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial are causing City's thirtysomething full-backs Pablo Zabaleta and Aleksandar Kolarov problems but the hosts are bossing possession and have had the game's best chance.

Marcus Rashford now goes down injured after clashing with Nicolas Otamendi, but he's fine to continue. It's just starting to get a little bit tackly now. 

Not that tackly is a word.

Marcus Rashford nutmegs Vincent Kompany and goes down. Everyone is expecting a free-kick, maybe a yellow. But Martin Atkinson says play on.

Moments earlier, Fernandinho was probably close to a booking when he fouled Henrikh Mkhitaryan. 

Image source, Reuters

Only Tottenham (20) have hit the woodwork more often than Manchester City in the Premier League this season. City have 19. United have 18.

Chris Waddle
Ex-Spurs and England winger for 5 live Sport

I cannot believe Aguero missed that! He should have scored there. 

City are just gradually getting more and more on top here.   

Sergio Aguero, six yards out. Surely. No! 

Kevin de Bruyne plays in a great cross from the right which comes to Aguero and the Argentina striker hits it off the offside of the post. You really would have expected him to score that.

Image source, Reuters

A few firm but fair challenges flying in at the moment.

Anthony Martial breaks quickly for United, jinking past a couple of defenders but his through-ball to Marcus Rashford takes too long to come and the young England striker has run offside.

Robbie Swale: Those two subs benches are a reminder of how strong United's squads used to be under Sir Alex Ferguson. 

Paul Mulligan: You have to fancy Man Utd tonight - they love a Thursday night game these days. 

Mr.Ineffable: City have all the tools to shread this United defence to pieces - its a matter of them clicking today.

Phil McNulty
BBC Sport chief football writer at Etihad Stadium

Kevin de Bruyne finds space in midfield to make a break but Daley Blind steps in - Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho immediately reaches into his pockets, pulls out his notebook and starts scribbling.

Wonder what he has written down?

Sergio Aguero - who has scored eight goals in 10 Manchester derbies - takes on Daley Blind down near the flag and wins a corner. But City don't do much with it and United clear their lines.

Soon I will hopefully have something that isn't a corner to tell you about.

One corner leads to another corner but Aleksandar Kolarov - in his 11th Manchester derby - heads clear. 

United break down the right, Marcus Rashford finds Ander Herrera, whose quick cross is cleared with Marouane Fellaini ready to pounce. Corner. 

We are under way at the Etihad.

Image source, Reuters

Phil McNulty
BBC Sport chief football writer at Etihad Stadium

Richard Dunne and Georgi Kinkladze getting a very warm reception from Manchester City's supporters as they appear on the pitch.  

Remember the Georgian Kinkladze polarising opinion wildly among managers from "he's world class" to "he'll get you relegated."  

The players are out on the pitch. It's almost time to go.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, speaking to Sky Sports: "Yes, it's a big game. I'm happy to be here to enjoy. It's a game against a tough team with experience.

"They are so fast. Of course this game is important for qualification for the Champions League."

Was injured David Silva close to being involved? Guardiola: "No."