Aston Villa vs Man City: Starting XIs for EPL clash confirmed

Manchester City welcome John Stones back into the starting line up for the first time since November 7.

His return from injury is timely, with the defender filling in at the base of midfield for the suspended Rodri.

Stones for Rodri is one of two changes for Pep Guardiola. The other player to come out is Jeremy Doku, who was injured in Sunday’s 3-3 draw against Spurs.

Rico Lewis replaces the winger, which could mean Bernardo Silva is moved into a more advanced role, joining Phil Foden and Erling Haaland in the front three.

The back four is the same with Kyle Walker, Ruben Dias, Manuel Akanji and Josko Gvardiol. You can expect Akanji to join Stones and Lewis in midfield, too.

Jack Grealish is missing because he is suspended. City have named just eight players on the bench.

Man City team news
Man City: Ederson, Walker, Dias, Akanji, Gvardiol, Stones, Lewis, Silva, Foden, Haaland, Alvarez.

Subs: Ortega, Carson, Phillips, Ake, Kovacic, Gomez, Nunes, Bobb.

Aston Villa team news
Aston Villa: Martinez, Carlos, Konsa, Torres, Digne, McGinn, Tielemans, Kamara, Luiz, Bailey, Watkins.

Subs: Marschall, Cash, Moreno, Lenglet, Diaby, Zaniolo, Duran, Dendoncker, Ramsey.