by James Nalton

THE two Manchester sides go into Sunday’s derby at Old Trafford on the back of a couple of satisfactory if not convincing displays in Europe.

City left it late to defeat a Sevilla side who sit in the bottom half of La Liga, while United picked up a point in Moscow against CSKA.

City manager Manuel Pellegrini is without the services of Sergio Aguero until late November and the game may also come too soon for David Silva, who has been sidelined with an ankle injury, but the club spent money on the likes of Kevin de Bruyne and Raheem Sterling for this type of situation.

When it came to goal-scoring contributions, De Bruyne was one of the most productive players in Europe last season, yet there were still questions asked about where he’d fit into the side. The last few weeks have provided the answer and he’s been involved in seven goals in City’s last five games.

The Belgian was pushed forward into the striker position in the last 10 minutes of the game against Sevilla, and eventually won the game for his side in injury time. Either he or Sterling will have to provide a similar spark in the final third if City are to get a result at Old Trafford.

Manchester United, meanwhile, will be delighted with the start made by their own big-money summer signing, Anthony Martial.

The Frenchman was viewed as a gamble but he’s settled in quicker than expected, emerging as a versatile member of Louis van Gaal’s forward line. He bagged a goal in midweek to give his side a point against CSKA, atoning for the penalty he’d given away earlier.

United’s three goals at Everton and City’s five at home to Bournemouth see both sides go into the game on the back of solid Premier League performances.

Fans will be hoping for more of the same from their respective sides, but the two managers might have a more controlled plan in mind for this game which neither dare lose.