Manchester City take on Aston Villa in the Premier League on Wednesday looking to build momentum in the title race.
Pep Guardiola’s side were held to a goalless draw against Arsenal at the Etihad at the weekend, leaving them a point behind the Gunners and three behind Liverpool at the top. They also have an inferior goal difference to both title contenders so have work to do to get ahead with nine games to go.
Their cause is not helped by the absence of Ederson, Nathan Ake and Kyle Walker due to injuries. John Stones was an unused substitute against Arsenal and will be available again, although it remains to be seen if he will be fit enough to feature.
Three injuries in defence means City are pretty much down to the bare bones. John Stones feels like a risk based on what Guardiola was saying, so it will have to be the back four that finished against Arsenal.
Further forward, Rodri obviously plays and then there’s an argument to play Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden in the middle given there are more options wide again. Bernardo Silva and Jack Grealish can drop back when needed.
Julian Alvarez will be pushing for a start but City will have to make do with the League Two lad up front and see if he can score his 30th of the season.
