Manchester City want to see the Super League drama behind them by getting closer to a third Premier League title in four years with a victory over Aston Villa on Wednesday night.
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After Chelsea crushed their fourfold hopes at Wembley and lost their last league match against ten-man Leeds United, City are desperate to gain some momentum after seeing their lead at the top of the table cut to just eight points.
Manager Pep Guardiola has made several changes to the team in recent matches with mixed results, so he must make sure that he chooses the right team from the beginning this time against a tough Villa side.
Let’s take a look at the page that will start for Cityzens.
The city’s colossus on the back | Mika Volkmann / Getty Images
Ederson (GK) – City’s undisputed number one got the night at Wembley when Guardiola got stuck by his cup guard, but he returns here.
Kyle Walker (RB) – Walker has a tremendous pace and is good going forward, so will likely return to the lineup to help at both ends of the field.
John Stones (CB) – Lost to the semi-finals but was excellent in defeat to Leeds and should return to the line-up to continue his fantastic form.
Ruben Dias (CB) – The city’s greatest and most important character in the defense, Dias starts when he is in shape and his leadership will be important.
Oleksandr Zinchenko (LB) – Although he is a midfielder in the trade, Zinchenko rarely disappoints in this role and is likely to return to the team for balance.
The city’s top scorer this season | BSR Agency / Getty Images
Fernandinho (DM) – The cornerstone of much of Man City’s success, his experience can be crucial in getting the club back on track.
Bernardo Silva (CM) – With Kevin De Bruyne ruled out through injury, the Portuguese midfielder should return to a more central position and look to continue his good form.
Ilkay Gundogan (CM) – The club’s top scorer this season, Gundogan is a bit dry right now but will be the main midfielder and will be the key to his pass and movement.
City Star Boy | Chloe Knott – Danehouse / Getty Images
Riyad Mahrez (RW) – The Algerian wide man has five goals and three assists in his last ten matches and will see to continue the excellent form here from the beginning.
Raheem Sterling (ST) – The 26-year-old has fought for even form this season but Sterling can get another chance from the beginning to the middle with Aguero injured and Jesus out of shape.
Phil Foden (LW) – The city’s best and most consistent striker this season, Foden must start. With his ability to score important goals and ability to play in several positions, he holds the keys to unlocking the Villa defense.
