Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden says they players must embrace the atmosphere at Manchester United for today's derby.

Foden scored a hat-trick in the reverse fixture at the Etihad Stadium but he can't wait for this latest encounter with the Red Devils on away soil.

He said: “It means a lot to play in a derby.

“It is just a special occasion with the fans and how they celebrate goals.

“I am just looking forward to playing at Old Trafford against United and embracing the challenge.

“I believe that [United] have had time with the new manager now and they look a lot stronger to when we faced them earlier in the season.

“We just know what we are going to be facing and that is a strong United team who look on form.

“We don't read too much into opponents and we just look at ourselves and if we are performing right then on our day, we can beat anyone in the world.

“I think that is the mentality that we must have. We need to go into the game believing that we are the champions and just play our football."

Foden is more than aware that, given the derby edge, either team can emerge victorious on Saturday.

He continued: “It has massively changed.

“When I was a kid, every derby it used to be United as the favourites most of the time.

“Now, it is completely different. It has been a massive change but on any day, anyone can win.

“We know that on the weekend we are going to have to be on our best form to even get a result.

“I think the football has changed and how it is played, but it is the same derby."