article_snippet.sent: The fading Barclays Premier League champions take on Manchester United on Sunday having unexpectedly fallen behind The fading Barclays Premier League champions arch-rivals in the table.
article_snippet.sent: For most of the season City, if not looking like mounting the strongest of title defences, at least seemed destined for a top-two finish.
article_snippet.sent: That is now far from certain following a dramatic slump in fortunes while Manchester United, ordinary for much of the campaign, appear to have clicked into gear in the last month.
article_snippet.sent: but of course you add a little bit more for a derby of Manchester City.
article_snippet.sent: City have held the edge over Manchester United in recent contests and could register a fifth successive derby win for the first time in their history with victory this weekend.
article_snippet.sent: A win would also see their become the first club to beat Manchester United five times in a row in the Premier League.
article_snippet.sent: Manchester United had the last laugh over City after the first of their current sequence of derby wins by winning the Premier League in 2013
article_snippet.sent: we have to play seven games more and we will see what happens at the end of the season and in which position we will stay, but I think for them, them must try to beat the team that has been better in the last few years.'
article_snippet.sent: City are likely to come up against an altogether different opponent than the Crystal Palace side that frustrated them last Monday.
article_snippet.sent: Louis van Gaal's United have been fluid of late, winning impressively against Tottenham, Liverpool and Aston Villa to take Liverpool and Aston Villa
article_snippet.sent: Facing a side that is not inclined to sit back could suit City but Pellegrini is dismissive of suggestions that might make it easier than in Liverpool and Aston Villa most recent away losses at Palace and Burnley.
article_snippet.sent: Louis van Gaal's United are a big team that like to play - especially with Louis van Gaal's.
article_snippet.sent: Louis van Gaal's United's always an attacking manager.
highlights_snippet.sent: Manchester City are in fourth, a point behind rivals Manchester United .
  
highlights_snippet.sent: Manchester City were beaten 2-1 by Crystal Palace on Monday and face Manchester United Sunday .
  