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[Image] Predicted 4-3-3 Man City XI to face Aston Villa: Can Guardiola’s men maintain their momentum?

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Manchester City vs Aston Villa prediction: Manchester City line-up

Manchester City welcome Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday hoping to trim their gap with league leaders Liverpool to three points.

The reigning champions suffered a set-back after a shock 2-0 home defeat to Wolves before the international break. However, they responded with a victory over Crystal Palace before flexing their muscles with a 5-1 thumping of Atalanta in the Champions League.

However, Pep Guardiola’s side will need to be wary of Aston Villa, who sit 12th in the table with just one defeat in their last five games.

Team News

Aymeric Laporte and Leroy Sane are long-term casualties for Manchester City.

Oleksandr Zinchenko has a knee problem and will miss Aston Villa’s game. Rodri was forced with a hamstring injury against Atalanta and has been ruled out of Saturday’s fixture for now.

Probable Manchester City XI

Formation: 4-3-3

Manager: Pep Guardiola

Ederson (GK)

Ederson is City’s first-choice goalkeeper and there’s no reason why he’ll not play on Saturday.

Kyle Walker (RB)

Pacey and athletic, Walker is expected to keep his place at right-back against Aston Villa.

Fernandinho (CB)

Barring conceding the penalty against Atalanta, Fernandinho was solid and should be trusted again in central defence.

John Stones (CB)

The England international is expected to start at the weekend after coming in as a substitute in the 5-1 victory over Atalanta on Tuesday.

Benjamin Mendy (LB)

Mendy has been really good since returning from injury. The Frenchman is likely to retain his place in the starting XI.

Ilkay Gundogan (CDM)

Gundogan put in a fantastic performance against Atalanta and deserves to start at the weekend.

Kevin de Bruyne (RCM)

One of the best players in the Premier League, De Bruyne is a certainty to start against Dean Smith’s side.

David Silva (LCM)

Silva is 33 but there’s no stopping him. The Spaniard could be key to unlocking Villa’s defence on Saturday.

Riyad Mahrez (RW)

Mahrez delivered a strong display in Tuesday’s Champions League game which could see Guardiola reward him with another start on the right flank.

Raheem Sterling (LW)

Fresh from a hat-trick against Atalanta, Sterling could pose City’s biggest threat for the Villa defenders at the Etihad.

More Manchester City News

Gabriel Jesus (ST)

Despite a brace from Aguero on Tuesday, Guardiola could freshen up his attack and start Jesus up front.