Robbie Savage has told the BBC that the Manchester derby has come about at the wrong time with City, contrary to Vincent Kompany’s claims after their recent defeat against Crystal Palace.

Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany is wrong when he says Sunday is a good time for his side to be facing local rivals Manchester United. Yes, the derby is a chance for City to give themselves a much-needed lift by putting in a big performance in a massive match that would make a statement about how they still can finish a disappointing season on a high. They also have a fantastic recent record at Old Trafford, where they have won on their last three visits, and it should be an open game, too.

That will be a welcome change for City to the ranks of massed defence they have faced on so many occasions home and away in the Premier League this season. But the bad news is they are playing United about four weeks too late.Louis van Gaal’s side are flying after beating Tottenham and Liverpool and finally putting in some stylish attacking performances. And while United’s players are in form and full of confidence, City’s squad appears to be the complete opposite. Those factors do not go out of the window just because they are playing their local rivals.