MANCHESTER BATTLE: Time for Guardiola and Mourinho to show who is boss in derby

A combination of pictures created in London on September 8, 2016 shows Real Madrid's Portuguese manager Jose Mourinho (L) reacting during the Spanish League football match against Levante on November 11, 2012, and Bayern Munich's Spanish head coach Pep Guardiola reacting during the Bundesliga football match against Hertha Berlin in Berlin on April 23, 2016. Manchester United welcome Manchester City to Old Trafford on September 10, 2016 in a derby match that sees opposing managers Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola renew their sulphurous rivalry. / AFP PHOTO / Jose Jordan AND Odd ANDERSEN

Featuring the rekindling of Pep Guardiola’s rivalry with Jose Mourinho, an all-star supporting cast and a host of tantalising sub-plots, today’s Manchester derby could be the most feverishly anticipated ever.

The two clubs have competed on an even footing since around 2010, two years after Manchester City’s acquisition by the Abu Dhabi United Group, but they have never hogged the limelight quite so selfishly. Both have boosted their ranks with big-money signings, both have won their first three games and both see today’s match as an opportunity to stake an early claim for the Premier League title.

“We can sense the expectation all around the city from our supporters,” says City’s German winger Leroy Sane.

“I’ve played in derby games in Germany, but this should be a great match and one I’m really looking forward to, especially because Pep Guardiola is taking on Jose Mourinho.

“It’s going to be exciting and I hope I can play some part and help us bring back three points.”