Manuel Pellegrini has hailed the Manchester derby as a special game ahead of this weekend’s trip to Old Trafford.

Raheem Sterling produced his most impressive Manchester City performance to date by bagging a hat-trick against Bournemouth at the Etihad on Saturday.

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has dispelled hopes that Sergio Agüero will be fit for the derby against bitter rivals Manchester United by confirming that the Argentine will be out for a month with a hamstring injury.

Manchester Citywere top of the Premier League after an impressive start to the season, but find themselves in second to city neighbours United after last weekend’s defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.

Manuel Pellegrini has been boosted by the return of captain Vincent Kompany ahead of Manchester City’s Saturday lunchtime trip to White Hart Lane to face Tottenham Hotspur.

Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany has been ruled out of the Premier League leaders’ clash with West Ham with a calf injury sustained in the Champions League against Juventus on Tuesday night.

David Silva and Raheem Sterling were both missing for Manchester City this weekend and were joined off the pitch by an injured Sergio Aguero after 25 minutes, handing Kevin De Bruyne his debut off the bench and stage on which to shine.

City host Hull City at The Etihad on Saturday afternoon and sit five points behind Jose Mourinho’s men after the sides drew 1-1 last week.

City take on Alan Pardew’s Newcastle United in the fourth round of the Capital One Cup at The Etihad ahead of Sunday’s game against Manchester United.

City face Sheffield Wednesday at the Etihad Stadium with Sergio Aguero, David Silva and Samir Nasri all ruled out through injury as well as Stevan Jovetic, Fernando and Pablo Zabaleta

Manchester City midfielder Samir Nasri has tried his hand at management by picking his favourite eleven – but as many United stars made it into his side as Blues.