Former Manchester United captain Bryan Robson believes that Sir Alex Ferguson's side hold the advantage in the Premier League title race.
United have twice slipped up in recent weeks, allowing Manchester City to move within three points at the top of the table.
However, Robson has placed his former club as firm favourites with the end of the season approaching.
"It's a great challenge for both clubs because the team who does win this game will probably go on to win the title," Robson told talkSPORT.
"I'm saying that but Newcastle are flying at the moment and so Manchester City have got a real tough game when they go up to St James' Park. I still feel it is Manchester United's advantage, even though City have got the home game. It is in United's hands.
"If we don't get beaten in the derby game then we have got a fantastic chance of winning the title but it is going to be a close thing."
Robson represented United between 1981 and 1994.
Matt Law
