Manchester City star Phil Foden has insisted that the Blues will have to be on their best form in order to overcome Manchester United in the derby on Saturday afternoon.
Pep Guardiola's side travel to Old Trafford to face Erik ten Hag's men in the Premier League, with the Blues, who sit in second position in the top-flight table, currently boasting a four-point lead over their opponents. United have won their last eight matches in all competitions and are the only side in England still competing on all four fronts.
City are keen to return to winning ways after exiting the Carabao Cup at the hands of Southampton in midweek, and Foden - who played the full 90 minutes against the Saints - is well aware that the Reds can hurt Guardiola's men if they don't perform to the highest level.
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While Guardiola has guided City to seven top-flight victories over their neighbours since he took charge at the start of 2016/17 campaign, with just four defeats and two draws, Foden has suggested that either team can emerge victorious on Saturday.
"It has massively changed. When I was a kid, every derby it used to be United as the favourites most of the time," he told club media. "Now, it is completely different. It has been a massive change but on any day, anyone can win.
"We know that on the weekend we are going to have to be on our best form to even get a result. I think the football has changed and how it is played, but it is the same derby."
Foden also admitted that he is relishing the challenge of facing United at Old Trafford. The England international scored a hat-trick in the reverse fixture in October, with the Blues winning 6-3 at the Etihad.
He added: "It means a lot to play in a derby. It is just a special occasion with the fans and how they celebrate goals. I am just looking forward to playing at Old Trafford against United and embracing the challenge. I believe that [United] have had time with the new manager now and they look a lot stronger to when we faced them earlier in the season.
"We just know what we are going to be facing and that is a strong United team who look on form. We don’t read too much into opponents and we just look at ourselves and if we are performing right then on our day, we can beat anyone in the world.
"I think that is the mentality that we must have. We need to go into the game believing that we are the champions and just play our football."
Foden has registered nine goals and four assists in 26 appearances for City so far this term, including seven goals in the Premier League.
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