Raheem Sterling and Ashley Young tangling again, they have come together for the third time in the opening 15 minutes.

Once more the decision goes against the City man for a tug on the United player.

At the other end, Danilo brings down Paul Pogba, but Alexis Sanchez's free-kick is too deep and Ederson can claim the ball unchallenged.

Image source, PA

Danilo has not been a mainstay in this City side, but a good performance today could earn a spot for the Champions League return leg against Liverpool.

The Brazilian clips in a well-shaped cross towards the back post and Ander Herrera has to stretch to poke the ball to safety.

Phil McNulty
BBC Sport chief football writer at Etihad Stadium

"Looks like those empty seats in the Manchester United section are pretty much populated now - although no-one would blame them for not sticking around at the end if Manchester City get the job done today."

Image source, Reuters

Patrick: Clear handball by Ashley Young, bring on VAR please..

Simon: Don’t care if it’s deliberate or not, Ashley Young’s arm prevents a tap-in for Raheem Sterling - should’ve been a penalty. Maybe the ref thought he connected with his head?

This is going to be an intriguing battle...

Ashley Young decides to take a ride on the back of Raheem Sterling down City's right-hand side, but again referee Martin Atkinson waves away the appeals.

Much to the anger of the home supporters.

City seeing plenty of the ball in the final third, but they are seeing a wall of red and black in front of them.

Image source, Reteurs

Robbie Savage
Ex-Leicester City & Wales midfielder on BBC Radio 5 live

It will be interesting to see how Bernardo Silva does up top. We saw Gabriel Jesus up against physical defenders in midweek hardly get a kick.

He is not very physical and up against Chris Smalling and Eric Bailly. When he drops deep he needs Raheem Sterling and Leroy Sane to get beyond him.

City are in behind the United backline for the first time and the magician David Silva tries to pick out Raheem Sterling at the back post, but Ashley Young - who recovers well after slipping - manages to nick the ball away.

The home players look to referee Martin Atkinson, as the ball comes off Young's left hand.

Could have been given.

Chris Bevan
BBC Sport at Etihad Stadium

City fans have unveiled a huge scarf in the south stand...

With no Sergio Aguero or Gabriel Jesus starting for City, Bernardo Silva is the furthest man forward.

Full-back Danilo has the first strike of the game, a wild effort from 30 yards out which ends up in the United section.

Phil McNulty
BBC Sport chief football writer at Etihad Stadium

It looks like the possibility of seeing Manchester City lift the Premier League title in front of their eyes has proved unpalatable for some Manchester United fans.

Quite a few empty seats in the away section.

Image source, PA

"Blue moon" is ringing around Etihad Stadium.

The City fans want to start the party, but they are going to have to hold on...for now.

BBC Radio 5 live

It's the most important Manchester derby in recent years where Manchester City can claim the Premier League title with a win against their closest rivals on their turf.

Alan Green is joined by Robbie Savage for full match commentary on BBC Radio 5 live.

Hit the play button at the top of the page to listen in on all the action.

Talking over, time for action.

The 176th Manchester derby is under way.

Here's a reminder of today's teams.

Image source, .

Image source, .

There is a minute's applause before kick-off in memory of former Manchester United midfielder Ray Wilkins who died aged 61 on Wednesday.

Guy Mowbray
Match of the Day commentator

It could be a famous day for City, but their defeat at Anfield this week has flattened the build-up a little for me.

How does Pep Guardiola play it now? Still set on a 'weakened team' before next week's second leg against Liverpool, or go all out to give the fans what they really desire by getting the job done in this of all games?

I wonder if it has changed Jose Mourinho's usual mindset too? Liverpool have now twice beaten City with performances based on pressing, pace and attacking flair. Surely for this one he has to "let the horses run free"?

For all the questions, there's one certainty. City will be champions.

The last word before kick-off, as ever, goes to our MOTD man...