Manchester derby: Jamie Carragher expects goals in a close clash at the Etihad

Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher will be right here each week to cast his expert eye over the forthcoming Premier League games.

The Liverpool legend will have his say on the players, managers and stories surrounding Sky's live fixtures – and in this column, he discusses Super Sunday's mouth-watering Manchester derby at the Etihad Stadium.

So read on for his thoughts on why the suspension-free Wayne Rooney must return to United's line-up, why the Red Devils will head to their neighbours in a positive frame of mind, and which Old Trafford player City would want in their line-up...

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How impressive were Man United against Chelsea?

CARRA SAYS: United have put in a few good performances so far this season but mainly against sides you’d expect them to beat and beat comfortably, so what impressed me most about their draw with Chelsea last Sunday was how they competed with the best team in the league at the moment. I never really felt Chelsea were in any danger of losing the game but United kept going and had the edge in terms of possession and chances, so there were some good signs. They may have been fortunate to get a last-minute goal but they more than held their own within the game and should take confidence into Sunday’s big match.

Marouane Fellaini was a strong performer in that 1-1 draw, wasn’t he?

CARRA SAYS: He’s made an impact in his last two games. He came on and scored a very good goal against West Brom on Monday Night Football and then stood out against Chelsea. He kept Cesc Fabregas relatively quiet and looked really fit, too, so while I think he needs to improve a little bit more to be a regular fixture in the United midfield when Michael Carrick is fit again and Ander Herrera is at his best, he is a good option to have. There is flair in there with Angel Di Maria and the solidity of Daley Blind, but as a physical presence and an outlet, Fellaini could come in handy as the season goes on.

Will there be any tweaks to the side against Man City?

CARRA SAYS: They will be under more pressure at the Etihad so I’d bring Wayne Rooney straight back in for Juan Mata. Mata was disciplined against Chelsea and played well, but in an away game you’d want Rooney in there for his power and strength, bigger work rate and greater defensive duties. We all know Man City are a physically imposing side with Yaya Toure and Fernandinho in the middle, two big centre-backs and Edin Dzeko up top; they played some good football when they won this fixture 4-1 last season but a key part of their success was outmuscling United all over the park. Rooney offers you strength and skill so would seem perfect for this game. I don’t see him not starting.

Why are City struggling a little bit at the moment?

I think the game will have goals in it with as United always look to play on the front foot under Van Gaal and City nearly always go with two strikers.

CARRA SAYS: Because they are looking defensively weak at times and conceding goals. Sam Allardyce said after City lost to West Ham that he targeted Eliaquim Mangala, so it will be interesting to see whether he starts in this game or Martin Demichelis comes in as Vincent Kompany’s centre-back partner. A lot has been mentioned about the way Manuel Pellegrini sets up with the 4-4-2 and with Van Gaal playing 4-3-3 at the moment, could that extra man in midfield – possibly Rooney dropping deep – cause City problems? Maybe City have enough to go out and beat United b