sportbible logo

To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

Sunday's Manchester Derby Set To Make History For Two Reasons

Sunday's Manchester Derby Set To Make History For Two Reasons

It's a massive game.

Josh Lawless

Josh Lawless

This Sunday's Manchester derby looks set to be history-making in a number of ways.

The big game at Old Trafford is the 175th meeting between the two and is well on course to be the most-watched Premier League history, eclipsing the 4.081 million viewers who tuned into see City record a 1-0 win over United at the Etihad in April 2012 courtesy of a Vincent Kompany header in first half stoppage time.

That game was the definition of a 'top of the table clash', as City's won brought them level on points with United and they went on to win their first league title for 44 years on goal difference.

But the upcoming meeting, where City are looking to extend their lead at the top to eleven points, has plenty of anticipation, with The Telegraph reporting that the game will be available to over 1 billion homes around the world, in 189 countries.

Of the 193 countries officially recognised by the United Nations, only four are not showing the game. North Korea, Cuba, Saint Kitts and Nevis and Moldova - what are you playing at, lads?!

Image: PA

Moreover, a total of 26 broadcasters from around the globe will be in attendance for the match, with Sky Sports showing the game live in the UK and BBC having access to the highlights for Match of the Day 2.

The highest live UK audience this season is an average of 2.26 million for Chelsea's 1-0 win over Manchester United on Bonfire night, and one would expect United-City to surpass that comfortably.

Image: PA

That likely won't be the only history being made though. Despite over £220 million pound's worth of talent not being available for the fixture, due to injuries and suspicions, the fixture looks set to be the most expensive in football.

Using predicted lineups and excluding add-ons, The Telegraph say that United's team will come to a cost of £290.35 million, with City's table-topping XI coming to £359.7 million and bringing the total amount to just over £650 million.

Image: Telegraph

Had Paul Pogba, John Stones, Benjamin Mendy and Eric Bailly been available, it would have been nearly £800 million.

Who are you betting on in Sunday's big game?

Featured Image Credit:

Topics: Manchester City, Jose Mourinho, Football, Manchester United, Pep Guardiola, Premier League