When the going gets tough the erm... big-game players come in.

The Daily Mirror's Manchester United reporter is suggesting that Matteo Darmian is in line to play at right-back for United this evening.

Not a move I suspect that is likely to fill too many United fans with confidence - if true.

The Italian full-back last started a league match in Jose Mourinho's final game in charge in their 3-1 defeat by Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, 16 December.

At least right-back is his natural position, compared to Ashley Young.

BBC Radio 5 Live

Former Manchester City striker Shaun Goater may have started his professional career in England with Manchester United but there is no question where his loyalties lie.

And when asked if he fancies the Blues to hammer United this evening, he told BBC Radio 5 Live: "Yes I do.

"I expect United to have a response after being thrashed by Everton as there has to be but tactically City are just streets ahead. There are more match-winners in the City team than the United team at this minute at time.

"We are so used to see Manchester City play in a beautiful way that I don’t get too excited. I approach games with less nerves now."

United come into this game on the back of a 4-0 defeat by Everton. The BBC MOTD2 pundits weren't too impressed...

Ronan Breen, Iowa, United States: It's such a difficult one to call! After such a long run of poor results my head rules we must get back to winning ways and fight for a top-four finish by beating City, even when it seems pretty unlikely. But my heart is telling me we can't let Liverpool have one hand on the league trophy! What's one more defeat, right? It will be bad enough having to witness them winning the league, but if we also give them a helping hand that would be unforgivable!

Roy, Bordeaux: If we were not in contention for a top-four finish, then I'd definitely not have any problem seeing City win tonight. City winning the title rather than Liverpool is the lesser of two evils by a fair distance. We'll never hear the end of it if Liverpool win the league. However, lose tonight and we'll be condemned to a season of Europa League, so it's a case of damned if you do, damned if you don't. I'll say win tonight, but only on the condition that Wolves then beat Liverpool!

Three-way rivalry, plus a league title to decide, is driving fans to become tactical supporters.

Imran Haji: I'll gladly purchase a De Gea kit and wear it with pride if he keeps a clean sheet today! Can't believe I am actually typing this but: COME ON UNITED!!!! #YNWA

Baruch Gilinsky: I'm a Liverpool fan and will be hoping that United can win! But it just feels wrong to want them to win, and I won't watch it. Having to cheer and feel happy as they score is simply a step too far.

Firdaus Khan: I have been a hardcore Liverpool fan since the days of Keegan and Toshack, and will always be a Red. For the first time in my life tonight I will be supporting Man United and hoping they will beat Man City for obvious reasons :-)

The Manchester storm has stopped by the way.

Wolves head coach Nuno Espirito Santo has a fully fit squad to choose from.

He is expected to recall Belgium midfielder Leander Dendoncker, who was omitted from the starting line-up on Saturday.

Arsenal will be without Aaron Ramsey and Denis Suarez through injury, while Granit Xhaka is being assessed.

Sokratis Papastathopoulos returns after a two-match ban but Hector Bellerin, Rob Holding and Danny Welbeck all remain long-term injury absentees.

Don't worry, we haven't forgotten there's another game on tonight.

Manchester United have Luke Shaw available after suspension but Phil Jones limped off during the 4-0 defeat at Everton and is not expected to be fit.

Ander Herrera, who has been out for four weeks with a thigh injury, was not part of the squad which arrived at the team hotel on Tuesday.

United boss Ole Gunnar Solsjaer says there will be changes to their team as part of "consequences" for their heavy defeat.

Manchester City midfielder Kevin de Bruyne will miss out after sustaining a hamstring problem last weekend.

Sub keeper Claudio Bravo is City's only other injury absentee.

Manchester in raining shocker.

Gerard Johnson: I have been a die-hard Red Devil since 1970. I used to be ridiculed by friends who supported Liverpool, especially in the 80s. I took it on the chin. Win, lose, draw or even relegated, I always have and will continue to support my beloved Manchester United. But I and fellow Red Devils are in a dilemma - City vs Liverpool. For me, if City beat us and win the league, even if it results in us falling to qualify for the Champions League, it is the lesser of two evils. ANYONE BUT LIVERPOOL.

John, Manchester: (I'm a) United fan. Absolutely hope we lose tonight. Would rather we miss out on Champions League and City win league than Liverpool take title. If we miss out on CL, mercenaries Pogba, De Gea etc more likely to move on and we can rebuild.

I'm sitting about a mile from Old Trafford (in a warm office luckily) and I can tell you a huge storm has just arrived. Lightning, torrential rain and wind. In fact whoever owns the pop-up bar should know it looks like their tent is broken.

Lol.

Image source, Reuters

Do those Milner quotes not describe every football fan? If watching a game of football and willing the ball in a goal is a waste of energy, then what are we all doing with our lives?

Probably too existential a question for a Premier League live text build-up to be honest.

Liverpool midfielder James Milner says he will support Manchester United tonight but will not watch the game.

"First time in my life," Leeds-born Milner said when asked about supporting United.

"But I won't be watching. It's a bit of a waste of energy, willing the ball in the other goal. I've no idea what I'll do, maybe go out for some food."

Image source, .

BBC Radio 5 Live

Last night's BBC Radio 5 Live Football Daily had a look at the Manchester derby.

Ian Wright, Chris Sutton and Rory Smith joined Mark Chapman. They asked if United might buck their recent trend of giving up in games and Wright calls for more ruthlessness from Solskjaer.

Listen to it here.

John Wesley: I'm a Liverpool fan and I've been singing United songs all day, checking their team news every 5 mins and worshipping OGS. COME ON YOU RED DEVILS!!!!

Kerri: Before I loved football I was a United fan!! Since I've loved the game I've bled red but the red of Liverpool. I love my team, I have children with the managers' names, I have tattoos and a slightly dodgy ticker but tonight for one night only I will be a United fan again and cheer them on like my life depends on it!

It is the night when Liverpool fans will do the unthinkable - want bitter rivals Manchester United to win. But will Reds supporters actually cheer on United goals?

And what of United fans? Do some supporters actually want their team to lose?

We've been asking Liverpool and United fans to get in touch today and will let you know their thoughts.

But we also want you to keep tweeting (#bbcfootball) and texting (81111) in.

This is open to everyone though. For fans of other teams... have you ever been in a situation where you have wanted a bitter rival to win, or preferred your team to lose?

So this is the situation...

Manchester City will go back to the top of the table with three games to go if they beat United tonight.

But a United win or draw means Liverpool would stay top - and would be three games (against Huddersfield, Newcastle and Wolves) away from a first league title since 1990.

However United need a result themselves to give themselves renewed hope of reaching the Champions League.

They are two points behind fifth-placed Arsenal, who are at Wolves in tonight's other game (19:45 BST).

Image source, .