Ander Herrera: Manchester Derby is the 'game of the season'

Our midfield engine insists Thursday night's derby at the Etihad is the make-or-break game of our season with only a point separating us in the League table.

A fight for the top four remains on and although we could still qualify for the Champions League by lifting the Europa League, why not also try while we have a chance in the League?

"It is going to be the game of the season," Herrera said. "We are one point behind them. If we win we have the chance to finish in the top four, if they win it is going to be very difficult. It is the game of the season.

"Make or break? Probably. Both teams are in a good moment so if one of us wins the game we are not going to lose a lot of games, or make mistakes after that. Us or them. It is going to be key.

"I don't know the 'winner takes all' expression but it is going to be a massive game.

"We are in a very good moment, a very good run and we respect them but we are doing a lot of good things and we have to show it on Thursday."

Of course we will be buoyed by our recent wins over Chelsea and Burnley where the opponents in both games failed to muster a shot on target.

Meanwhile City were beaten by Arsenal at Wembley in extra time of the FA Cup semifinals meaning they'll finish the season trophyless- the first time Pep Guardiola will do so.

Ander Herrera knows it will be tough with both teams in a good moment but his recent performances especially having a goal and two assists in his last two games will only raise his spirits.

Asked about his recent man-marking mission of Chelsea's Eden Hazard, a job he did perfectly, Herrera laughed when quizzed if the winger was still in his pocket.

"Hazard, for me, has been the best player of the season so far. It was not a very easy job for me but I think I did it right.

"Also the team was very compact so that made it more easy for me. But now I know everyone is talking about it, but I want to forget it.

Herrera has his sights set even beyond the Manchester derby on Thursday at 10:00 PM EAT.

"I want to think about today winning, hopefully Thursday the same and we have [the] Europa League [semi-final]. The Europa League is a competition that makes me very excited because I lost the final three or four years ago and I want to take that knife from my back.

"So hopefully we can fight for that title as well, but I know very good [semi-final opponents] Celta Vigo. They are a very difficult team."