But at Old Trafford they have taken 31 points from a possible 33. United have not lost in the Premier League since April – a total of 26 games – since Chelsea left with all three points. They also have 29 goals at Old Trafford, the most by any Premier League team at home. And Birmingham arrive, for their 250th Premier League game, with just one win and eight points from 10 away games this season.

The record between these teams suggests there can be only one winner. Birmingham have never beaten United in the Premier League, in 13 attempts. In those games, at old Trafford and St Andrew’s, United have won 10 and drawn three. Overall, United’s unbeaten run against City extends to 23 games.

In those games, United have won 16, drawn seven and have taken 55 points from a possible 69, scoring 35 goals and conceding just nine. Birmingham last beat United in November 1978, when they beat them 5-1 at home. They last won at Old Trafford in January 1978.

United miss Antonio Valencia (ankle) and Owen Hargreaves (hamstring) while Rafael Da Silva is suspended and Park Ji-Sung is at the Asian Cup with South Korea. Birmingham miss James McFadden and Scott Dann. c