MANCHESTER, March 2 — Manchester City begin a defining stretch of their bid to become the first-ever team to win four consecutive English league titles when they host their latest derby against Manchester United tomorrow.

Second-place City (18-3-5, 59 points) have been oddsmakers’ favorites to win the league throughout the campaign, despite strong challenges from leaders Liverpool and third-place Arsenal. City are now eyeing a run of fixtures that could make or break that aim.