Saturday will be D-Day for Manchester City in more ways than one as the title hopefuls head to Old Trafford to face leaders Manchester United in a match that could have a significant bearing on the destination of the Premier League trophy.
United sit four points clear of Arsenal at the top with City just one point further back, giving Saturday's derby clash extra relish.
Victory for City could throw the title race wide open once more and the club's left-back Aleksandar Kolarov believes they have a good chance against a United side struggling with a number of injuries.
"We have had some very good results and we are not too far from United," the Serb said. "We are third now, so we want to try to win the Premier League. We will see in the end, but we are a very strong team and we want to win things."
Carlos Tevez, who swapped United red for City blue, is prepared for the customary jeering from the home fans but also thinks City can cause an upset.
"I don't care about people booing me at Old Trafford. It doesn't worry me and I'm not worried about going there," he said. "The booing happened a lot last year, but I understand. As a supporter, you defend your club and I am on the opposing team now.
"Playing against Manchester United is a big incentive but it's not just because of personal issues for me. It's about the importance of three points. We want to go to Old Trafford and win."
City's chances could be boosted by a niggling calf injury to defender Rio Ferdinand, who is unlikely to be fit to start. Nemanja Vidic is the only fully fit central defender and Jonny Evans and Chris Smalling missed their respective international matches in midweek.
Arsenal will be among those hoping City get at least something out of the match as they look to take advantage of any hint of vulnerability from United.
The Gunners will be itching to get back to winning ways after squandering a four-goal lead at Newcastle last weekend and welcome struggling Wolves to the Emirates.
But Wolves go into the match on the back of their victory over leaders United last weekend and striker Kevin Doyle said there is no reason why they can't produce another surprise.
"The way things are going we've probably a better chance of winning this than some of the games we play," he said. "It's against Arsenal, playing at the Emirates, a fantastic place to play, so hopefully we can win.
"Why not? We beat Chelsea, Man United, Liverpool and Man City this season so Arsenal would top it off. I've never scored against Arsenal so if I can get a goal, it would be nice."
With fourth-placed Chelsea not in action until Monday night when they are away to Fulham, Tottenham could go above them if they can avoid defeat at Sunderland.
Sixth-placed Liverpool will be looking for their fifth straight league win as they host Wigan at Anfield while bottom side West Ham United travel to managerless West Bromwich Albion, who sit just two points above them.
Birmingham welcome Stoke City, Blackburn take on Newcastle and Aston Villa travel to Blackpool in Saturday's other matches while Bolton meet Everton on Sunday.
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