First derby of the season

ALL the talk ahead of the first derby of the season is about the influence that Stuart Pearce has had on Man City.

Pearce, who was named manager of the month for August, faces the sternest test of his short managerial career against United.

The Guardian takes a long look at Pearce’s work at City, featuring comments from many of the current squad and the day he called Ferguson a ‘bastard’.

But what comes out of the article is evidence of the work he puts in to prepare the team for games and the changes he has brought to the training ground.

And in the build-up to this afternoon’s game at Old Trafford Pearce is very confident and looking forward to the challenge.

"It is not a game that should daunt us - it does not daunt me," he added. "It is a big test for us, but it is a game that I'm looking to try and win. I am not going there looking for a draw. The players should be full of confidence after what they have achieved recently. It is going to be a good game for us."

There is a possibility that Sylvain Distin could be back alongside Dunne after a run out with the reserves mid-week. And Nedum Onuoha may slip into right back ahead of Danny Mills.

It will also be interesting to see of Pearce sticks with Vassell and Cole up front as the United back four could be ruffled by the pace and guile of the two.

So let's go for a 2 - 2 draw.