It’s Derby Day on Sunday when the two halves of Manchester and Merseyside do battle.

There is plenty at stake at Old Trafford as the top two take each other on. Manchester City are eight points clear of United and will break the Premier League record for most successive victories, 14, if they come out on top.

José Mourinho may not have to stop this particular runaway train by parking his usual bus in front of it now he can place goalkeeper David de Gea squarely on the tracks. De Gea was magnificent in the win against Arsenal last week and will need to again be at his best if United are to keep their 100 per cent record at home this season.

Down the road, Liverpool take on Everton. Jürgen Klopp’s men are a team of contradictions. While many observers quite rightly criticise the Reds’ problems at the back, it is important to note they have conceded only two goals in the Premier League at Anfield this season and have the second-best home defensive record behind Manchester United.

It is their frailties away from home that are preventing them closing the gap on the top two.

Liverpool have conceded 17 goals on the road this season, with only West Ham United and Huddersfield Town having a worse record.

Sam Allardyce missed Everton’s dead-rubber Europa League tie against Apollon Limassol yesterday. The official reason was given as “a prior health appointment”, but given the weakened team playing in Cyprus, it is not hard to think that at least some time was spent on the training ground drilling his players on how to stop Liverpool’s impressive front four of Mohamed Salah, Philippe Coutinho, Sadio Mané and Roberto Firmino.

11am kick-offs unless stated

Tomorrow

West Ham United v Chelsea (8.30am)

West Ham showed rare battling qualities but ultimately came up short against Manchester City last week. The same may again be true at home this week if they fail to contain the exciting Eden Hazard and Álvaro Morata. Chelsea have a better record away from home than they do at Stamford Bridge this season and should grab all three points. Prediction: 0-1

Burnley v Watford

Fantasy League managers should note that Burnley have suffered a major blow with the news that Robbie Brady suffered a serious knee injury in the defeat by Leicester last week. Brady brought some quality to a disciplined side and Watford can take advantage of his absence. Prediction: 0-2

Crystal Palace v Bournemouth

Palace are off the bottom and steadily improving under Roy Hodgson. They have lost only one of their past six matches, have fantastic home support at Selhurst Park, and are fancied to grab the points. Prediction: 2-1

Huddersfield Town v Brighton & Hove Albion

Two of last season’s promoted sides have made good starts to the season. Huddersfield may have lost their past four games, but three of those were away matches and their home defeat came to Manchester City. Their record at the John Smith’s Stadium is pretty decent and they can edge a tight match. Prediction: 1-0

Swansea City v West Bromwich Albion

Things are starting to look desperate for Swansea. They have gone seven league games without a win and it is difficult to see them getting out of trouble. West Brom were unlucky not to beat Crystal Palace last week and can give Alan Pardew his first win as manager. Prediction: 0-1

Tottenham Hotspur v Stoke City

Tottenham are by far the lowest scorers at home in the top six, having found the net just nine times. That surely has to change soon and fantasy managers should be doing everything in their power to get Harry Kane in their teams as captain. Prediction: 3-0

Newcastle United v Leicester City (1.30pm)

Newcastle are without a win in six games and are dropping down the league quickly. Their fans may see this game as winnable, but they would be wrong. Prediction: 0-1

Sunday

Southampton v Arsenal (8am)

Arsenal have won just two of their seven away league matches this season but should have enough quality to take this. Prediction: 0-2

Liverpool v Everton (10.15am)

Everton will be very organised defensively under Sam Allardyce but Liverpool are full of confidence after their 7-0 demolition of Spartak Moscow in the Champions League on Wednesday. They can edge a tight game. Prediction 0-1

Manchester Utd v Manchester City (12.30)

Tense, passionate, feisty and exciting or defensive, dull, boring stalemate? Let’s stay positive and go with the former but not get too disappointed if we end up with the latter. An injury to David Silva will hinder City’s chances but they will be happy with a draw. Prediction: 1-1

• Congratulations to Karl Brown, whose team, Megatron, were November’s best in the RG Fantasy League. Please e-mail bsaunders@royalgazette.com with your details to claim your prize.