Manchester United put their title challenge on the line at Eastlands knowing local rivals City could not have any more derby day incentive than the opportunity of ending it for good.
With Chelsea re-establishing a 12-point lead at the top yesterday, United boss Alex Ferguson was left in no doubt that unless his side ended their run of successive away defeats to Kevin Keegan's men, a ninth Premiership crown would be a virtual impossibility.
Ferguson was forced into changes too as Ryan Giggs and Cristiano Ronaldo were deemed fit enough only for a place on the bench.
Quinton Fortune and John O'Shea were both recalled in midfield, as was Paul Scholes, United's scorer in a 4-1 defeat on their last visit to City's plush new home.
Paul Bosvelt's suspension meant a rare starting spot for Steve McManaman, the only alteration from the side which drew at Chelsea seven days ago.