Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has been 'leaning towards' one element of his starting line-up for the weekend's showdown at Old Trafford, according to a new report.

The reigning Premier League champions make the short trip across the city this weekend looking to claim not only bragging rights, but also cut the gap to the current league leaders Tottenham after Ange Postecoglou's side moved five points clear on Friday night.

City come into the clash at Old Trafford fresh off the back of successive victories after a win over Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend, and a third success from three games in the UEFA Champions League thanks to victory over BSC Young Boys in Switzerland.

The clash at the Wankdorf Stadium in Bern saw Pep Guardiola start both Jack Grealish and Jeremy Doku, in a decision that worked wonders for both players who put in exemplary performances.

However, that has thrown into question whether the Manchester City boss will do the same against Erik ten Hag's side, or opt for one or the other and move either of Bernardo Silva or Phil Foden into the attacking trio.

Now, according to the information of Miguel Delaney writing for the Independent, it is in fact claimed that Pep Guardiola has been leaning towards starting his impressive summer recruit Jeremy Doku for Sunday's derby at Old Trafford.

The Belgian international has been in exemplary form since joining from Stade Rennais towards the end of the recent summer transfer window, with some viewing the 21-year-old as a replacement for the outgoing Riyad Mahrez.

With four goal contributions to his name so far this season, including important goals away from home against West Ham in the Premier League and RB Leipzig in the UEFA Champions League group stage, some would state that Doku has earned a start against United.

Jeremy Doku's pace is frightening at times as well as his ability to beat his opposing defender with a single sharp movement, bringing a dimension to Manchester City's frontline not seen since the days of Leroy Sane and Raheem Sterling.