Manchester Derby: RVP fit and ready for City

Manchester United’s derby with Manchester City was given a boost when striker Robin van Persie returned to full training last Wednesday fit and ready to help the Red Devils’ push for a Champions League place.

"Back to training with the group today," Van Persie wrote on his official Twitter account.

"Was a great session. Happy to be fit and able to play again. Looking forward to my next game!"

The 31-year-old Dutch international, scorer of 10 goals this season, has not played for United since injuring his right ankle during a 2-1 defeat at Swansea City on February 21.

During that time, United have won five consecutive league games, meaning they will go into Sunday's home game with City a point above their local rivals in third place.

Buoyed by five successive Premiership victories, head into Sunday's derby a place and a point above their cross-city rivals and believing they are poised to restore red ascendancy in the city.

Champions City have won the last four league meetings against United, including a 1-0 victory at the Etihad Stadium in November, but their hopes of retaining the title have faded.

They have dropped down to fourth after four wins in 11 league games and trail leaders Chelsea by nine points.

United, meanwhile, have put their early season struggles behind them to climb to third, eight points clear of fifth-placed Liverpool in the race for Champions League qualification.

City arrive at Old Trafford on the back of a 2-1 defeat by Crystal Palace but captain Vincent Kompany believes form counts for nothing in a derby.

"It doesn't matter what place you are in the league, it's a derby," Kompany said after the Palace loss.

"If anything, it's a good moment to go into a derby.”

Chelsea, who need 16 points from their remaining eight games to win the title for the first time since 2010, travel to relegation-threatened west London rivals Queens Park Rangers on Sunday.

Second-placed Arsenal, who have won 10 out of 11 league matches, travel to struggling Burnley tomorrow, while fifth-placed Liverpool will be aiming to close the gap on the top four with victory over Newcastle United at Anfield on Monday.