Man City recall skipper Kompany for derby

Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany was recalled by manager Manuel Pellegrini for his side’s derby clash against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Kompany sat out City’s previous two games after playing for Belgium against Pellegrini’s wishes following a month on the sidelines with a calf injury, but he returned in central defence in place of Eliaquim Mangala.

It was one of three changes made by Pellegrini, with Aleksandar Kolarov and Fernando also coming into the team in place of Pablo Zabaleta and Jesus Navas. Sergio Aguero and David Silva were absent through injury.

United manager Louis van Gaal made one change to the team that drew 1-1 at CSKA Moscow in the Champions League on Wednesday, with Juan Mata replacing Jesse Lingard on the right-hand side of midfield.

Second-place City are looking to reclaim top spot in the Premier League from Arsenal, who climbed above them by beating Everton 2-1 on Saturday, but United can go above City and level on points with Arsenal if they win.