MANCHSTER (Reuters) - A highly charged afternoon is in prospect when Manchester United face Manchester City in a derby match of rare emotion at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Not only are vital Premier League points at stake for both clubs, but also the willingness of the visiting fans to respect the minute's silence being staged before the kickoff as a mark of respect to the victims of the Munich air disaster 50 years ago.

Eight Manchester United players were among the 23 people killed at Munich on February 6, 1958 when the plane bringing the team back from a European Cup tie in Belgrade crashed on takeoff after a refuelling stop.

Former Manchester City and England goalkeeper Frank Swift, working as a journalist, was also among the victims and it is hoped City fans will observe the silence as a mark of respect to him as well as the others who died.

City manager Sven-Goran Eriksson said on Friday: "I want them to observe the silence. I would like them to forget being City fans for just one minute and respect all those who died."

Both teams will be wearing modified kit resembling that of the 1950s without logos, crests or names and numbered 1-11.

Once the ceremonial side of the proceedings are completed,

attention will turn to league points with champions United eager to move back to the top of the table, at least until leaders Arsenal play Blackburn Rovers at the Emirates on Monday.

City, who have slid down the table to eighth after a poor run of form, will be looking to follow up their 1-0 win over United at home in August and also record their first win at Old Trafford in 23 matches since 1974.

United will be without the suspended Wayne Rooney. City are missing Elano, also through suspension, although Benjani Mwaruwari should make his debut following the completion of his protracted transfer from Portsmouth.

(Editing by Alison Wildey)