What better way for the Premier League to reintroduce itself into our lives after an interminable international break than the Manchester derby.

For the past few years, the clash between the red and blue of England most populous northern city has lost its appeal. The underwhelming management of Louis van Gaal combined with the underachieving talents of the Man City squad left a once great clash as just another fixture on the calendar… but all of that is about to change.

Enter Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola, arguably the two most revered managers in world football today. The two stalwarts of the modern game have clashed on numerous occasions before, most notably in the ‘El Clasico’ where Pep’s Barca and Jose’s Real clashed in vicious, ill-tempered but enormously entertaining battles.

Now, both managers ply their trade in Manchester and both will be rubbing their hands together at the prospect of Saturday’s match-up where they can once again pit their wits against one another.

Here are five reasons why Manchester City will win the Manchester derby on Saturday…

The Pep Factor

There is perhaps no better way to judge who will fare better with the pressure of the Manchester derby than by taking a glance at the El Clasico’s of the past. When Pep and Jose clashed with their Barca and Real sides, it was often the Spaniard who came out on top.

In fact, Mourinho led his Real side to just two victories in eleven games against Pep’s Barcelona. A pretty damning statistic, which may speak volumes of who is the manager most likely to come out on top this Saturday.

Super Sterling

For a man who was so vilified in the summer after atrocious performances in an England shirt, it has been a rapid turnaround for Raheem Sterling, who has hit the ground running this season and looks like City’s best player under Guardiola.

Sterling will likely be instructed to run directly at Antonio Valencia, who, despite his genuine talent, is not a natural defender. This could cause plenty of problems for the right side of United’s defence and could be the key battle in the game.

Ball Retention

One of the more interesting statistics that could determine the outcome of Saturday’s game is the amount of possession each team has. A quick glance at the Premier League stats so far shows that both teams are in the top five clubs for possession percentage and number of passes.

On Saturday, one of these teams is likely to be without the ball for long periods of possession, something that neither team has had to deal with too often so far this campaign.

With City topping all possession stats, it will be up to Manchester United to hold their shape and stay patient, something that they may struggle to do.

The Underdog

Home advantage and the absence of Sergio Aguero through suspension means that Man City have been made the underdogs for Saturday’s derby.

This may play perfectly into Pep’s hands. The pressure is off and his players can take to the field and employ their style of play. Guardiola would likely take a draw if offered to him now, whilst Mourinho knows that the Old Trafford crowd will be desperate to see a victory.

This could be the catalyst for some nervous displays from United’s men.

No Aguero, no problem

While many believe that the suspension of City’s star man Sergio Aguero spells disaster for Pep and his team, statistics will actually demonstrate the opposite.

Last season, City won more points on average without Aguero (2.17), than when the Argentine was in the team (2.00).

Granted, the margins are small, but Pep trusts Kelechi Iheanacho to deputise and the Nigerian will be full of energy, ready to prove a point as to why he is held in such high regard at the Etihad.