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First contested in 1881, the Manchester derby is a game between Manchester United and Manchester City and has roots from over a century ago.
174 matches have been played between the clubs across England's leagues and cups, with United coming out victorious on 72 occasions, with 52 being drawn and the remaining 50 wins for City.
Since the Premier League era has begun, City has caught up with United in every aspect of the game, and are on course to toppling their rivals and neighbours yet again this season. With City 8 points clear of second-placed United, this weekend's derby will be an early title decider as a win for the Citizens will see them move 11 points clear of their closest rivals.
However, United do have the historical advantage over City but none of it will matter if they don't close the gap on their rivals and the best way to do that is with a win at the weekend.
The derby has seen a bunch of goalscorers in the past and here we take a look at five of the all-time top goal scorers in the Manchester derby.
#5 Sergio Aguero (Manchester City) - 8 goals
Argentine and Manchester City, talisman and striker, Sergio Aguero recently became the club's highest ever goalscorer with his 17th goal coming against Napoli in the Champions League. Aguero is also fifth on the list of highest Manchester derby goalscorers with 8 goals to his name.
Also with eight goals in the derby are Eric Cantona, Colin Bell, Brian Kidd and Joe Spence. Since the Argentine is still active and played fewer derbies, he leapfrogs the four men as the sole holder of the number five spot on the all-time highest derby goalscorers.
The former Athletico Madrid player will be keen to add to his tally this weekend at Old Trafford and extend the club's lead over their neighbours in the PL title race.
A win and goal for Aguero and City over United would set the tone for the second half of the season, with City firm favourites to lift to coveted PL crown.
Sergio Aguero will move two away from Paul Scholes and Dennis Violet with 7 goals if he manages to notch a goal at the weekend, taking his tally to 9.
#4 Bobby Charlton (Manchester United) - 9 goals
Former England World Cup winner and Manchester United player, Bobby Charlton is one the greats of the English game. Charlton is one of the few players to have survived the Munich Air Disaster, after which he went on to guide United to their first ever European Cup trophy in 1968.
A multiple-time First Division winner, former United captain and current board of director, Charlton remains to this day, one of the greatest English players to have graced the game. With 9 goals to his name in the Manchester Derby, Sir Bobby Charlton sits in fourth place on the list of highest derby goals.
A legend at the club and in the country, Charlton is adored for being part of the only English team in football history to lift the coveted World Cup crown. Despite his struggles, the great man who could play in any position on the field.
Generally a striker or attacking midfielder, he had the flair, strength, passion and a ton of heart that made him one of the finest to ever play the game.
#3 Francis Lee (Manchester City) - 10 goals
Former England, Bolton Wanderers, Manchester City and Derby County striker, Francis Lee was one the most prolific goal scorers during his time. The Englishman began his career for Bolton in 1959 and stayed at the club till 1967.
Then City manager Joe Mercer signed the forward who went on to represent City for 8 seasons, winning a First Division trophy and numerous other Cups during his stay with the club. Lee won 27 caps for England during his decade-long career with the national side.
Lee scored 10 goals in Manchester derbies to equal the then record of 10 goals set by Joe Haynes and sits third on the list of highest derby goalscorers.
The English striker moved to Derby County in 1974 and joined Don Revie to be part of the team that secured another First Division title. After two seasons at Derby County, Lee called time on his nearly 20-year career.
#2 Joe Hayes (Manchester City) - 10 goals
Former Manchester City, Barnsley and Wigan Athletic striker, Joe Hayes began his professional career with the Blues in 1953. Prior to becoming a footballer, Hayes worked at a cotton mill and coal mine. He was later lured into football.
Hayes went on to play for 12 seasons at City, till 1965. During his time at the club, he bagged 10 goals in Manchester derbies to set the then record for most goals scored in games between the two clubs. An FA Cup winner in 1956 with City, Hayes left City in 1956 to join Barnsley.
After just a single season with the club, the Englishman moved to Wigan, where he played only for a season again, before calling time on his football career.
A City legend, Hayes' tally of 10 goals in the derby was unmatched for years before the young Francis Lee came along. Although, the record was only matched and not broken by Lee.
#1 Wayne Rooney (Manchester United) - 11 goals
England and Manchester United's all-time leading goal scorer, Wayne Rooney has achieved and won almost everything there is to win in club football. With numerous record and accolades to his name, the former United and England number 10 moved to join back childhood club Everton before the start of this season.
The Englishman joined United in 2004 and has gone on to smash records during his time at Old Trafford. With 11 goals against City, Rooney beat the joint record of Hayes and Lee to become the greatest derby goalscorer in Manchester history.
A multiple-time Premier League winner, 32-year-old Rooney is the greatest striker England has ever produced. With a number of more years left in his playing career, the Evertonian will be gunning and eager to break the Premier League record for most goals in the league with 260, held by Alan Shearer.
Only 55 goals behind Alan Shearer in the race, 32-year-old Rooney could eclipse the goal record at Everton in a few years time.
