Toure happy to be in the derby spotlight

Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure has called on his side to keep their unbeaten run at the Etihad alive on Sunday.

Current Premier League leaders Manchester United travel to last season’s champions, looking for revenge following that dramatic season finale in May.

City are currently three points behind their rivals, and a win at the Etihad would put Roberto Mancini’s side on top of the table.

But Toure understands the difficulty they will confront when they go against United, facing a strikeforce of Wayne Rooney and a player they reportedly tried to sign themselves in the summer, Robin van Persie.

“We respect United but we are at home and confident against anyone on our own pitch,” Toure told reporters.

“These are the games, personally, I love because it is a challenge against a strong team.

“Matches like this are why I love being a footballer. I enjoy the pressure and expectation and everything that goes with it.

“The eyes of the football world will be centred on Manchester and this is a game everyone will want to see – and that suits me fine.”

Both teams have an overwhelming home record, with Tottenham being the only team outside of Manchester to win in the city this year.

But Manchester City have not lost at home for almost two years, with their last defeat being against Everton in a 2-1 loss, on December 20, 2010.

Toure is hoping that City can keep their momentum going by defeating Sir Alex Ferguson’s side.

“It’s going to be a fantastic game and we know it will be tough, but they have conceded a lot of goals and we have a mentality that we will not be beaten on our own pitch,” said Toure.

“We will be in front of our own fans on our own ground and we are ready for this game.”