City and United both in good spirits ahead of second Manchester derby of the season
Kick off in the Premier League match at the Etihad is at 3.30pm
Tens of thousands of football fans are expected for the eagerly-awaited second Manchester Derby of the season.
City have won four of their last five Premier League meetings with United - and they also thrashed Luton in the FA Cup fifth round.
Erik ten Hag admits he must solve a defensive "puzzle" for Sunday's Manchester derby.
Harry Maguire has joined Luke Shaw, Lisandro Martinez, Tyrell Malacia and Aaron Wan-Bissaka on the sidelines through injury and Manchester United boss Ten Hag is expected to pick from the same squad that edged past Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup in midweek.
Sofyan Amrabat returned to the United side on Wednesday on the left, with Diogo Dalot on the right.
Ten Hag said on manutd.com: "We have to lay the puzzle because we are still missing full-backs. We are still missing centre-halves.
"So we have to be creative but I think we can. On Wednesday, we showed we can, if we have the right plan.
"But, more important than that, if we have that passion, and that ambition, and desire and determination to win the game, then we are able to do it."
United's best run of the season was halted last weekend by a 2-1 defeat against Fulham, dealing a major blow to their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League.
Pep Guardiola feels having four clear days ahead of a Manchester derby is a "dream" at this stage of the season.
Guardiola's Manchester City host arch-rivals United at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday in what could be a key match in their bid to win a fourth successive Premier League crown.
It is a crucial month for City with games against title rivals Liverpool and Arsenal to come, as well as the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie and an FA Cup quarter-final.
City were last in action on Tuesday when they thrashed Luton 6-2 in the cup fifth round and Guardiola believes the derby preparations since have been ideal.
"Tuesday to Sunday is enough (time), it is a dream," he said. "We will recover well.
"The problem is Saturday to Tuesday with trips, that is less recovery, but the players were extraordinary against Luton.
"We had two days off with rest, not seeing each other, and then two days to prepare for United."