Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola on the touchline (Getty Images)
Man City romped home to a comfortable 3-1 victory over cross-town rivals Man United in the first leg of the EFL Cup semi-final on Tuesday to take a step closer to booking their seat in the final of the competition.
After victories over Man United and Port Vale in the EFL Cup and the FA Cup, the Citizens now turn their attention back to the Premier League. Pep Guardiola’s side head into the trip to Aston Villa on Sunday as the outright favourites to come away with all three points.
City’s hopes of retaining the PL crown might be over but they will surely be keen to complete a double over Dean Smith’s side, having beaten the Villans 3-0 back at the Etihad back in October.
There are no fresh additions to Man City’s injury list ahead of the weekend trip to Villa Park. Leroy Sane and Aymeric Laporte are both on the comeback trail from their respective knee injuries but neither of them is expected to feature in the matchday squad on Sunday.
Ederson Moraes is likely to return to action in the Premier League after serving a three-game red card suspension.
Claudio Bravo has a good job between the sticks in the last few games but the Brazilian has always been the first-choice for Guardiola in the Premier League.
Kyle Walker started against Man United in the League Cup semi-final but the Portuguese star could get his sixth start in the Premier League this season on Sunday if Guardiola opts to rotate his squad.
The Argentine international has done a decent job at the heart of the defence for Man City in recent weeks and should start on Sunday.
The Brazilian has slotted really well into a central defensive role this term and he continues to be a key cog in Man City’s wheel.
The Ukrainian international has been in and out of the playing eleven in the Premier League but he could get a start on Sunday after Mendy played the full ninety minutes in the EFL Cup tie.
The Spaniard is enjoying an impressive debut season at the Etihad and has stepped into Fernandinho’s shoes in that No.6 role in the middle of the park.
The veteran remained an unused substitute against Man United on Tuesday but he is expected to be amongst the starters for this one.
The Belgian has already plundered 7 goals and 12 assists so far in the Premier League this season and he will be looking to add to his impressive tally against relegation-threated Aston Villa.
The Brazilian hardly played a part in the FA Cup and League Cup fixtures but he could find himself in the playing eleven ahead of Riyad Mahrez, who can certainly do with a bit of rest.
The England international has already hit double digits in terms of goals in the Premier League this season and he remains a key cog in City’s attack.
City’s battering ram was an unused substitute in the Manchester derby on Tuesday but he is expected to return to the starting eleven against Aston Villa.