Pep Guardiola has selected a front three without a natural striker in his Manchester City starting line up to face Aston Villa tonight.
Guardiola has gone strong in his selection, looking to make it nine wins in succession for City in order to move top of the Premier League - albeit temporarily until Manchester United have the chance to reclaim top spot later this evening.
Without Sergio Aguero as he continues to isolate, Guardiola opted against keeping Gabriel Jesus in attack. Instead, Phil Foden is recalled, while Raheem Sterling looks to build on his goal against Crystal Palace. Bernardo Silva makes up the front three.
In midfield, Rodri and Kevin De Bruyne start as expected given their form, as does Ilkay Gundogan.
In defence, Ruben Dias and John Stones have the chance to continue their fine record as a partnership, with Joao Cancelo recalled but at left-back. Kyle Walker continues on the right.
On the bench, Guardiola can call upon Jesus, Ferran Torres and Riyad Mahrez. Eric Garcia returns from injury and isolation to make the matchday squad.
Man City starting XI vs Aston Villa: Ederson, Walker, Dias, Stones, Cancelo, Rodrigo, Gundogan, De Bruyne (C), Bernardo, Foden, Sterling.
Substitutes: Steffen, Jesus, Zinchenko, Torres, Mendy, Fernandinho, Mahrez, Garcia, Bernabe
