Manchester City and Manchester United are separated by one goal at the top of the Premier League table... but has Pep Guardiola had a tougher start than Jose Mourinho?

• e-mail

The race for the Premier League title is already looking ominous with the two Manchester clubs first and second - with only goal difference separating the pair.

Manchester City edge Manchester United with a goal difference of +20, compared to +19, with both teams having collected 19 points from seven matches.

The duo have both thrived in their manager's philosophies so far and for many neutrals the first meeting between the two at Old Trafford on December 9 can't come soon enough.

Manchester City lead the Premier League table with 19 points from their opening seven games

Manchester United sit second, only behind City courtesy of one goal on goal difference

However, when comparing the opposition they've both faced so far, it seems one team has had an easier run of fixtures than the other.

While, it's through no fault of their own - as they don't control the fixture computer - United have faced six of the current bottom seven in the standings. In comparison, City have played four of them.

Delving deeper, the former's other opponents have been Southampton - who sit 12th - meaning that Jose Mourinho's side have not faced a current top-half team.

By contrast, City's other three opponents in the league so far Chelsea (fourth), Liverpool (seventh) and Watford (eighth) are all in the top half.

With the Premier League beginning to take some shape, these stats would suggest that United's title credentials will be scrutinised further in their upcoming games.

United beat Crystal Palace 4-0 at home on Saturday - their sixth win out of seven games

Yet, Jose Mourinho knows his side face sterner tests in the upcoming weeks of the season

Poll

Which Manchester side would you back to win the Premier League title?

Manchester City

Manchester United

Which Manchester side would you back to win the Premier League title?

• Manchester City 5523 votes
• Manchester United 5878 votes

Now share your opinion

•  
•  
•  

After this month's international break that is certainly evident with their first encounter being a trip to bitter rivals Liverpool. The end of October sees title-chasing Tottenham visit Old Trafford on October 28 before United travel to Premier League champions Chelsea on November 5.

Mourinho would have taken note of City's dismantling of Chelsea at the weekend. Despite only winning 1-0, the manner of Pep Guardiola's team display had neutrals gushing as they dominated proceedings at Stamford Bridge.

It was the second convincing performance that his side had produced against a title challenger this season alongside their 5-0 home thrashing of Liverpool on September 9.

You can only beat what's put in front of you and both teams have certainly done that, bar one draw each. However, it seems City's title credentials have been given the greater test so far this season.

Over to you, United at Anfield on October 14.

Pep Guardiola has seen his side triumph against title rivals Liverpool and Chelsea already

Kevin De Bruyne (left) scored the only goal of the game as City won 1-0 at Chelsea on Saturday