Manchester United vs. Manchester City: Start Time and Schedule

The Manchester Derby is more than just rivalry this year; it separates Manchester United and Manchester City once for all at the top of the English Premier League Table.

The two rival clubs have been at the top of their game almost all season long and City finally claimed a two-point lead with United's latest draw.

Neither has tasted defeat this season, they've both scored over 25 goals and only conceded six each.

This match will not only be the first true separating opportunity between the two, but it could set the tone for the entire first half of the season.

United defeated City 3-2 for the FA Community Shield back in August on a 90th-minute strike from Nani.

We can only hope this match lives up to that and then some.

If the way the campaign has gone so far is any indication then we're in for another memorable affair.

Where: Old Trafford, Manchester, England

When: Sunday, October 23, 8:30 a.m. EST 

Watch: Fox Deportes, FSC, Sky Sports 1, Sky Sports HD 1, Sport.TV Liga Inglesa, Sport.TV1, Sportsnet World, SuperSport 3, SuperSport HD 3 

Betting Line (via Sportsbook.com)

United: Even

City: +260

Draw: +230 

United Key Injuries

Tom Cleverley: Midfielder is eying return for Derby.

Nemanja Vidic: United captain expects to be back on the 18th for Champions League match with Otelul Galati.

City Key Injuries

Sergio Aguero: Striker should be back in for City's Champions League clash with Villarreal on the 18th.

Biggest Storyline: Rivalry/League Table

This isn't just 161st meeting between the two clubs, it is a determinant of who will have the early control of the English Premier League marching into November.

While City has dealt with Carlos Tevez's controversy since the summer, they've scored goals at an impressive clip.

United, on the other hand, has had to deal with injuries to a number of key players but haven't missed a beat until recently. They've still yet to taste defeat though.

City has yet to lose in league play, but they haven't fared well in Champions League play.

This match will have its own unique feel, though. These two teams have run away with the early part of the Premier League season and only Chelsea is in immediate striking distance of either of them. 

United Player to Watch: Tom Cleverley

The young midfielder has been tasked with replacing legend Paul Scholes and was doing a phenomenal job before getting sustaining injury. He is, however, expected to be back on the pitch for the Derby.

The 22-year-old was working toward a call-up for the Three Lions and would love nothing more than to get back to form.

When Sir Alex Ferguson decides to put him on the pitch it will be very intriguing to see what he brings to the match.

City Player to Watch: Mario Balotelli

The 21-year-old Italian striker has been quite the up-and-down performer. He has immense talent, but also makes questionable decisions on and off the pitch.

In his club's latest match he took advantage of the opportunity to star against Aston Villa and got City on the board first. His overall performance was tremendous and with boss Roberto Mancini making several changes he might have earned himself some extra run against the Red Devils.

If/when he takes the pitch he will be a problem for United's back line who have been shaky of late.

The decisions both Ferguson and Mancini have to make for playing time will be a huge factor in this match.

What They're Saying

Both clubs have a Champions League tie before we can truly start talking about the Derby. City and United have not been themselves in recent play in the Champions League and those matches will be extremely going in to the Derby.

As for who is on the pitch together, ESPN Soccer Net gives us a glimpse of what the City front line could look like if they function well together:

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Argentina forward Sergio Aguero returned to training on Monday ahead of the Champions League clash and could return to the side with Mario Balotelli, impressive in the 4-1 defeat of Aston Villa on Saturday, suspended.

David Silva, Samir Nasri and Edin Dzeko, all substitutes at the weekend as Mancini juggled his resources, could also come back in.

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United and Sir Alex Ferguson will have to make similar decisions up top in the coming week. The Red Devils will have to decide who (Chicharito or Danny Welbeck) to pair up with Wayne Rooney. It will also be interesting to see which players line up in the central midfield and central defense with a number of injured players expect back.

Prediction: United 3, City 2