Manchester City travel to Old Trafford on Sunday to face Manchester United in a derby that could offer an early signal of the title race, with both sides arriving in contrasting form heading into the international break.
Enzo Maresca's City go into the fixture full of confidence after a perfect run of three straight wins, while United have managed only a draw and a defeat in their last two outings, sitting well off the pace set by their neighbours. Erling Haaland remains City's chief threat and is expected to lead the line once again, having found the net in each of his last three appearances for the club.
Ahead of the trip across Manchester, Maresca confirmed that Nico O'Reilly has recovered from the back issue he picked up in the warm-up before the win over Coventry, though Jeremy Doku remains sidelined. "Nico is 100 per cent available but Jeremy, I think he needs some more days," Maresca told reporters at his pre-match press conference.
Gianluigi Donnarumma is set to continue in goal, protected by a back four of Matheus Nunes, Ruben Dias, Marc Guehi and Josko Gvardiol, with Nunes returning to the side after recently shaking off an ankle problem. In midfield, Maresca faces a selection dilemma between the expensively assembled pairing of Enzo Fernandez and Elliot Anderson - who impressed together in the midweek Champions League win over Porto - or reinstating the versatile O'Reilly. Phil Foden, who has scored seven goals in his career against United, is expected to keep his place out wide after replacing new arrival Iliman Ndiaye in that Porto fixture, flanked by Rayan Cherki and Antoine Semenyo behind Haaland.
United, meanwhile, are without several key men through injury, including Ugarte, Diallo, Baleba, De Ligt and Heaton, as Ruben Amorim looks to arrest a dip in form against the division's in-form side. Bruno Fernandes continues to lead the way as United's top scorer this campaign.
Elsewhere across the weekend's Premier League schedule, league leaders Arsenal look to extend their own winning run of three matches when they visit Sunderland, though Jurrien Timber is a doubt because of a groin issue. Liverpool host Fulham at Anfield aiming to build on recent momentum, with Alexander Isak their standout scorer so far this term, while Chelsea welcome Hull to Stamford Bridge in good spirits after back-to-back wins.
Aston Villa face Nottingham Forest at Villa Park, with Forest boosted by having no fresh injury or suspension concerns, and Tottenham host Everton on Saturday evening, though Spurs will assess James Maddison after a shoulder problem. Bournemouth take on Brentford at the Vitality Stadium, Crystal Palace meet Ipswich at Selhurst Park, Coventry host Brighton, and the weekend's action concludes on Monday night when Leeds welcome Newcastle to Elland Road.
Based on reporting from Guardian Football and Standard Football.