Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini plans to start Mario Balotelli today against Manchester United.

The Daily Mail says sources close to the Manchester City manager indicated that he will start with Balotelli up front, partnered by Sergio Aguero, and leave the experience of Carlos Tevez and the more predictable physical presence of Edin Dzeko on the bench.

The source said: "Mancini is going for the pairing he believes will cause most damage to United if they are in form."

The 22-year-old was pictured only on Friday kicking out in anger at a water bottle at City's Carrington training ground.