THREE Manchester United Players Who Can Make The Difference vs Manchester City

Manchester United take on Manchester City this evening in an eagerly anticipated derby clash. There are a host of talking points for this game, but here are three United players who can be the difference this evening.

1) Wayne Rooney

Rooney is the obvious one. The former Everton forward has 13 league goals this season including two against West Ham last weekend, and will be running at Martin Demichelis. The Argentine centre-half  has struggled with life at the Etihad.

He's slow on his feet, he is rash in the tackle and is constantly leaving gaps which his defensive colleagues have to plug.

For me Rooney has to be the focal point tonight for United.

2) Juan Mata

We haven't seen the best of him yet, but Mata loves the big stage and it wouldn't surprise me if he turned out to be the match winner tonight. Stick the Spaniard in the number 10 role in any side in world football and he can make a difference.

He is the creative force that is needed to unlock defences and in my opinion is strong enough to dismantle the back four that will be in front of him.

3) Phil Jones

It will be a big night for the young defender. Nemanka Vidic is suspended, Jonny Evans and Chris Smalling are both doubts and Rio Ferdinand may not even be available, so Jones is the one who the backline will be built around.

He has the strength to deal with Edin Dzeko, but Alvaro Negredo is a whole different story. The Spaniard is powerful, his movement is quick and his finishing is second to none.