The two city rivals clash at Old Trafford (Picture: Getty)
Manchester United and Manchester City are busy applying their finishing touches to today’s huge Manchester derby at Old Trafford.
The home side are languishing down in eighth place in the table, five points behind the top four, but will be looking to maintain the momentum that has been generated by three wins in their last three games in all competitions.
Pep Guardiola’s side, meanwhile, are sat in third place – five and three points behind respective title rivals Tottenham and Arsenal.
And fans gearing up for the big game have noticed something unusual about this afternoon’s clash – the match kicks-off one hour earlier at 3.30pm instead of the traditional 4.30pm slot on a Sunday.
So, why exactly is the Manchester derby starting one hour early?
Here is everything you need to know.
Why is Man Utd vs Man City kicking-off at 3.30pm?
Manchester United vs Manchester City is kicking off today at 3.30pm following an agreement made by the two clubs and other parties.
City will start as favourites (Picture: Getty)
A statement released by Manchester United read: ‘The unusual start time was agreed following consultation between the clubs, the broadcaster and local authorities.’
The match is being shown live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, as part of Super Sunday.
As such, the first installment of the show – West Ham vs Everton – will also kick-off one hour earlier at 1pm to accommodate the new kick-off time for the Manchester derby.
Today’s game brings to an end United’s run of four consecutive Premier League home fixtures kicking-off at 3pm on a Saturday.
This is the second time a Premier League match at Old Trafford has been selected for live TV coverage this season, following on from their controversial 1-0 win over Wolves on the opening weekend of the season back on August 14.
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Manchester United won the corresponding Premier League fixture last season, 2-1.
Jack Grealish had put the visitors ahead on the stroke of the hour mark, before Bruno Fernandes restored parity for the Red Devils in the 78th minute.
The comeback was complete when Marcus Rashford struck four minutes later to send Old Trafford into raptures.
MORE : Erik ten Hag hits back at Jamie Carragher after claims Manchester United are in ‘regression’
MORE : Pep Guardiola hits back at Facundo Pellistri over dig at Manchester City
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