Here, Press Association Sport'sScott Waters takes a look at where the match could be won and lost.

CARLOS TEVEZ v RIO FERDINAND

Former Red Tevez heads into this crunch fixture in a hot vein of goalscoring form. The mercurial Argentinian has netted seven times in City's last five games, including his double in his side's recent 5-1 demolition of Birmingham at Eastlands. England captain in waiting Ferdinand will know all too well what his ex-teammate can do but nevertheless still faces a daunting task in keeping the striker at bay. Ferdinand has struggled for both form and fitness all season and Sir Alex Ferguson will be needing his defender to put those troubles behind him if his side are to come away with three vital points that would keep them in the title race.

ANTONIO VALENCIA v JAVIER GARRIDO

The speed and trickery Ecuadorian winger Valencia possesses have proved extremely troublesome for United's opponents and his devilish performance against Bayern Munich a week ago has showcased how much of a handful he has the potential to be. Valencia has not scored in any competition since he netted against his old club Wigan in late December, but has laid on a number of invaluable goals for his team-mates. City's left-back Garrido has made just nine league appearances so far this season but has featured in the starting line-up on a more regular basis of late and City have lost just one of those nine games in which the Spaniard has featured.

DARREN FLETCHER v VINCENT KOMPANY

Midfielder Fletcher is without doubt one of the Premier League's unsung heroes and whenever the 41-cap Scotland international is absent from the United teamsheet it is always evident. The Scot has only three league goals to his name this season but two of those came in the pulsating 4-3 win in the reverse of this fixture at Old Trafford. Fletcher will find it difficult to get away from the clutches of City's formidable defensive midfielder Vincent Kompany. The Belgian has been in great form over the course of the last month, as have City, and his breaking down of opposition attacks has been a huge contributing factor in the Citizens conceding just one goal in their last six outings.