Manchester City will face off against Manchester United on Sunday in the 50th Manchester derby of the Premier League era and, for the Blues, it's going to be a pretty important one.
City sit six points clear at the top of the table having played a game more than closest challengers Liverpool. An untimely derby day defeat could hand Jurgen Klopp's side the advantage in the title race.
Having lost each of their past three home meetings with United, Pep Guardiola's side will have to work hard to avoid a slip-up. Whatever happens though, there are a few things that will definitely happen on the most important day of the year for any City fan.
Raucous Etihad
The atmosphere at the Etihad Stadium has long been a stick for rival fans to beat City with. This is, of course, unfair. The atmosphere at home games is often good, but nothing compares to the noise generated when the two teams emerge from the tunnelon derby day.
Expect to see a flags, banners and maybe even some fireworks as the atmosphere intensifies in the moments before kick-off. The sight of thousands of sky blue scarves being held aloft as Blue Moon rings out around the stadium will be enough to give even the least sentimental City fan goosebumps.
Also, as we saw at Goodison Park last weekend, inflatable bananas are back!
If you don't laugh, you'll cry
There will be tears shed at the final whistle - whether they are tears of laughter or tears of despair remain to be seen.
United were woefully bad when City won 2-0 at Old Trafford back in November, so much so that some City fans in the away end were beside themselves with the hilarity of it all. A similar collapse from the visitors would be highly amusing.
On the other hand, defeat would really heighten the anxiety around Liverpool's pursuit of City at the top of the table. You'd think that United wouldn't want to help the team from down the M62, but at the end of the day, it's derby day. They'll be coming for all three points.
Ronaldo the red-card merchant
Be prepared for whistles, jeers and boos every single time Cristiano Ronaldo touches the ball.
City fans have never liked the Portuguese star, largely due to the histrionics he would pull during his first spell at United. Him becoming one of the best players in the world also didn't help.
The fact that he used City as bait to receive a larger wage offer from United last summer has not endeared him any more to Blues, so his reception is likely to be one of maximum hostility
Truth be told though, the Etihad hasn't been the happiest of hunting grounds for Ronaldo over the years. He's twice been sent off in derbies on our patch and, having visited with both United and Real Madrid, has only ever scored once.
Can he be goaded into another early bath?
Guardiola garment throwing
God forbid, but if City lose, Pep is going to go spare isn't he?
The boss was pretty calm after the 2-0 loss City suffered a year ago - he even complimented United - largely because the game didn't matter, with City miles ahead in the title race.
That is not the case now though, so we imagine Pep could be a little tetchy if things don't go to plan.
"I am so happy, more than you believe..."
What do you think will happen on derby day? Follow our City Is Ours writer Alex Brotherton on Twitter to get involved in the discussion and give us your thoughts in the comments section below.
