The most enthralling title race in years

The defining plot twist of the most enthralling title race in years could be written on Monday as Manchester City attempts to seize control of its Premier League destiny against leader Manchester United.

Three weeks ago, United already had one hand on a record 20th title after City's defeat at Arsenal left Sir Alex Ferguson's team a hefty eight points clear with only six games remaining.

But a poor run of results from United, which has seen it take only four points from a possible nine, has suddenly given City the chance to put itself back on pole position as the finish line looms into view.

An estimated worldwide television audience of more than 650 million is expected to tune in for a match that is being hyped as the biggest in Premier League history.

“This is the derby game of all derby games,” Ferguson said. “It's in the blood of the supporters and I know lots of fans who would give everything to win this game,” the United manager added.

City midfielder Gareth Barry also emphasised the unique nature of the top-of-the-table duel.

“People are speaking of this as being the biggest game in Premier League history and it's a massive game to play in,” Barry said. “I don't think you can get away from the size of the game against United and the pressure.”

The equation for City is simple: a victory on Monday would see it return to the top of the table. Wins at Newcastle and at home to Queens Park Rangers would then guarantee City the title, provided United is unable to make up its rivals' significant advantage in goal difference, which currently is at plus six.

City manager Roberto Mancini has attempted to douse the expectation level by stating that United will remain favourites for the title even if it loses, citing the champions' final two matches against Swansea and Sunderland.

“I think it has more chance than us because we play the derby on Monday, after we play against Newcastle, that will be a very tough game,” Mancini said. “Instead United plays Swansea and Sunderland, which will be two easy games.”

Ferguson meanwhile is relishing the challenge from opponents he views as the biggest threat to United's position at the summit of the English game owing to the club's seemingly limitless wealth.

United has already demonstrated that it has the know-how to get a result at a ground where City has dropped just two points all season, winning January's FA Cup third round tie 3-2.

Yet Ferguson must be concerned by the sudden frailty of a United defence that was punctured repeatedly by Everton last weekend in a 4-4 draw.

City, which humiliated United 6-1 at Old Trafford in October, has rattled in 12 goals in the past three games, and its nimble strikeforce of Sergio Aguero and Carlos Tevez will fancy their chances of adding to that haul if Rio Ferdinand and Jonny Evans have another off-day.