Villa vs City: Pellegrini's Probable Starting XI

After a 3-1 road win against Sevilla in the Champions League and a 2-1 defeat of Norwich City at home, it looks crystal clear that Manchester City heads into Sunday's match against Aston Villa on a high. After all, since City's last defeat, which was against Spurs in the Premier League, City has gone undefeated in its last eight matches, seven of which have culminated in a victory. Though City enters the game in almost optimal conditions, if it weren't for the injuries to top men Sergio Aguero, David Silva and Pablo Zabaleta, the big question remains, who will start at Villa Park on Sunday?

As mentioned previously, Sergio Aguero, David Silva and Pablo Zabaleta are the three definite omissions from the squad list for the match against Aston Villa, while Fabian Delph and Gael Clichy, who have been out with long term injuries, enter the match day squad. Given Fabian Delph's rather uncomfortable exit from Aston Villa as well as his ongoing return to match day fitness, he looks primarily in line for a run in the second half of about 25 minutes for City. Gael Clichy, who was on the bench for City's victory over Sevilla, could also be a substitute for Aleksandar Kolarov, who has maintained a good level of consistency in his play this season.

Manchester City's midfield could potentially have a change, after Fernando and Fernandinho started the match against Sevilla as defensive midfielders, while Yaya Toure played in a more attacking position. It is likely that Kevin de Bruyne will be restored as the attacking midfielder with Jesus Navas and Raheem Sterling sitting behind Wilfried Bony, who is likely to get the nod ahead of Kelechi Iheanacho, who played for City's U-19 team against Sevilla's U-19 team in the UEFA Youth League. Iheanacho does looks set for a second-half appearance, or perhaps a starting role if Manuel Pellegrini decides to drop Raheem Sterling, which he did against Norwich City.

With Pablo Zabaleta out and Gael Clichy not exactly match day fit for a start, it looks like Aleksandar Kolarov will get the nod at left-back and Bacary Sagna at right-back. In the center back positions, it is likely that Nicolas Otamendi and Vincent Kompany will be paired together in defense, as they were against Norwich and Sevilla.