Ferdinand has not recovered from the calf injury he sustained in the warm-up ahead of Manchester United's shock defeat at Wolves last week.
Evans played in that game but missed Northern Ireland's hammering by Scotland on Wednesday with an ankle injury and is still sidelined.
"Rio Ferdinand got a calf injury last week. He will be out for a couple of weeks," confirmed Sir Alex Ferguson.
"Jonny Evans was injured in training with Northern Ireland. He is out so Chris Smalling will play. I am sure he will do well."
Ferguson has admitted there will be "no secrets" to be unveiled by either side.
United know victory would almost certainly end their neighbours' lingering Premier League title hopes.
However, a second away win in four years would leave the Blues trailing Ferguson's side by just two points and knowing they face a hazardous run-in, which includes matches against Liverpool and Arsenal, and champions Chelsea to face twice.
"I have a good idea of their team, they have a good idea of ours," said Ferguson.
"There are no secrets. Absolutely none. The video analysis gives you new detail in terms of preparation for games.
"When we come to analyse our opponents, we have a fair idea of who will play, and it is the same for them."
Although there is huge anticipation within the city itself about a game that is getting more significant by the year, Ferguson has opted not to fan any flames.
He is wary of hitting the headlines in the manner he did before the previous game between the two sides in November, when he took exception to the manner in which comments about City were reported, and promptly ceased speaking to the media for five weeks.
Yet the hype this time around does not appear to contain the same fire, possibly due to the international fixtures in midweek, which have acted as a magnet for attention.
"Maybe the internationals have not been a bad thing," he said.
"It has taken away a bit of focus from the game.
"As far as the clubs are concerned, it doesn't really matter how much hype there is. We have to perform on the pitch."
City midfielder Nigel De Jong is doubtful because of an ankle injury.
However defender Micah Richards has recovered from a similar problem and comes into contention.
Striker Mario Balotelli could return after a four-week absence with a knee injury which followed his hat-trick against Aston Villa.
Source: DSG
