Local-bred players seem to be getting few and far between nowadays, but Pearce insists that the City players know exactly what this weekend's game means.
"Derby matches are, without doubt, very special occasions for all concerned, whether you are a fan, player or manager," says Pearce in Saturday's programme notes.
"There always seems to be a lift in the build up to such a game both around the club and in and around Manchester itself, something I’ve been aware of since I came here back in 2001."
Pearce added that his players have been getting more excited as the game has approached.
"I know that my players, whether they have played in games against Manchester United before or not, will inevitably pick up on the heightened atmosphere from the fans within the ground today," he says.
"There is sometimes a misconception that the buzz of Derby matches only really affects players from the local area. My view is very different.
"Whilst these ties may have a particularly special meaning for a local lad, the knock-on effect of the enthusiasm surrounding these matches means that players, even from more far-flung corners of the globe, all benefit from the excitement generated."