Monday’s night’s Manchester derby at the Etihad Stadium could be another eventful affair
Monday’s night’s Manchester derby at the Etihad Stadium could be another eventful affair

The destination of this year's Premier League title could be decided on Monday night as the top two clubs clash at Manchester City's Etihad Stadium, with just three points between them and, to make things spicier still, these are not just any two teams.

This is Manchester City vs Manchester United... this is the Red Devils looking for revenge after City utterly humilated them in their own stadium, in October.

Title Equation

If United win, they will need just one point from their remaining two games to seal a record 20th title. In fact, even if they draw, four points out of a possible six from the two remaining games will be enough.

As far as Manchester City are concerned, the equation is simple: win the game or go home. The Citizens know that a victory will put them on top of the table by goal difference (at least seven goals) and with just two matches remaining, it could be the deciding factor.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson called this the "mother of all Manchester derbies" and City captain Vincent Kompany claimed the game was second only to the mammoth clash that is Real Madrid vs Barcelona.

Whether you agree with the two men's assessment or not, Monday's night's tie between the two will undoubtedly another eventful chapter to the long list of derbies that starts in 1881.

As we build up to the match of the season, IBTimes UK brings to you five of the best Manchester derbies from the last 25 years...

  • Manchester City 5-1 Manchester United, 23 September 1989

Three years into Sir Alex Ferguson's reign at Old Trafford, with the Scot still finding his feet in England and building a team with the long term in mind, City ran riot in the derby. David Oldfield (2), Ian Bishop, Andy Hinchliffe and Trevor Morley found the back of the net for the Citizens while Mark Hughes pulled one back for the Red Devils from a brilliant overhead kick. After the game, Ferguson said it was the most upsetting result he ever experienced. The match had to be stopped for around 10 minutes due to acts of violence in the crowd after United fans sneaked into the City supporters' area.

  • Manchester City 2-3 Manchester United, 7 November 1993

United went into this game on the back of European Cup elimination at the hands of Galatasaray, in a match that saw the controversial but brilliant Frenchman Eric Cantona sent off. Banners of the Turkish Delight greeted the league champions at City and they were down 2-0 before the break, thanks to goals from Niall Quinn. Cantona upped his game in the second half to score a brace and get the Red Devils level before Roy Keane scored one of his famous late goals in the 87th minute to win the game for United.

  • Manchester United 4-3 Manchester City 2009, 20 September 2009
Owen shoots past Wright-Phillips and Given to score
Owen shoots past Wright-Phillips and Given to score Reuters

Manchester City had just undergone a big-money makeover by the Etihad group and believed they had what it took to overtake United. Wayne Rooney and Gareth Barry scored for either side within the first 15 minutes and going into half time, neither team had any idea how exciting the second would be. Darren Fletcher put United in front, only to for the lead to be cancelled out by Craig Bellamy. Fletcher popped up to give the Red Devils the lead once more but Bellamy returned to spoil United's celebrations by netting in the 90th minute... and it still was not over! At 3-3, substitute Michael Owen scored in the seventh (and hugely controversial) minute of injury time to seal the win and leave a protesting City in his wake. Ferguson called the game the best Manchester derb, naturally.

  • Manchester United 2-1 Manchester City, 12 February 2011
Rooney scores from an overhead kick
Rooney scores from an overhead kick Reuters

The best goal ever in the Manchester derby - that's what makes this one special. David Silva's deflected equaliser put City in sight of a point after Nani's goal had given United a slender advantage in a tight and tense encounter. However, with just over 10 minutes remaining, Wayne Rooney came up with a spectacular overhead kick that left City devastated at Old Trafford. Nani's cross from the right was high and behind the former Everton man but he readjusted his position to send an acrobatic, unstoppable scissors kick high past a startled Joe Hart.

  • Manchester United 1-6 Manchester City, 23 October, 2011
Balotelli celebrates after scoring the opening goal
Balotelli celebrates after scoring the opening goal Reuters

The neighbours were not just noisy any more - they started kicking the front door in. It will require some high-end surgery to erase the memories of this match for fans from both sides. Mario Balotelli, who was in the headlines that week for accidentally setting his house ablaze with crackers, ignited the fireworks on the field with the opening two goals. City punished some naive defending from the Red Devils, who pushed forward despite having Jonny Evans sent off just after the break. Sergio Aguero also got himself on the scoresheet soon after. Fletcher offered some hope for United with a fine rising shot from 20 yards that gave Joe Hart no chance. However, substitute Edin Dzeko scored twice from counterattacks in the final minutes, separated by a composed finish from David Silva.