Vincent Kompany has warned his Manchester City teammates that Manchester United will be hell-bent on avoiding a sixth successive derby-day defeat this afternoon.
United travel to Old Trafford later today "hurt" after losing the last five Manchester derbies to their bitter rivals.
Louis van Gaal's side must also win if they are to preserve their slim hopes of catching runaway Premier League leaders Chelsea, and Kompany, who is doubtful for the clash, warned his teammates to expect a backlash.
"For a long time I felt we wanted it more, but I think they've been hurt pretty badly and they'll want it just as much now," the City captain told BBC Sport.
"They have their games against Liverpool, which are very important to them. For us, this is the most important game.
"In previous years I think we wanted it more but things change."
Victory for the Sky Blues will take them above their city rivals into third, two points behind second-placed Arsenal.
Shane Callaghan
