Confirmed Line-Ups: Manchester City vs Aston Villa (Premier League)

Manchester City will once again have an opportunity to close the gap between themselves and title challengers Arsenal this weekend.

Mikel Arteta’s side were held to a frustrating and controversial 1-1 draw by Brentford at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, courtesy of a single goal by the striker who downed City prior to the World Cup; Ivan Toney.

That result means Manchester City can now move within three points of Arsenal going into the clash in North London on Wednesday night; the first meeting between the Premier League’s leading clubs this season.

Aston Villa are the latest to test City’s Premier League title credentials, and will be looking to follow in the footsteps of Tottenham, who secured all three points last weekend courtesy of a Harry Kane goal and a professional, as well as disciplined, home performance.

Ahead of a crucial clash at the Etihad Stadium – at the end of a significant week off the field – here is how Manchester City and their opponents line-up in east Manchester!

Manchester City

Starting XI: Ederson; Walker, Rodri, Dias, Laporte; Gundogan, De Bruyne, Bernardo; Mahrez, Haaland, Grealish.

Substitutes: Ortega, Akanji, Lewis, Ake, Gomez, Phillips, Alvarez, Foden, Palmer.

Aston Villa

Starting XI: Martinez; Young, Konsa, Chambers, Digne; Bailey, Ramsey, Kamara, Luiz, Buendia; Watkins.

Substitutes: Zych, Sinisalo, Cash, Swinkels, Moreno, McGinn, Dendoncker, Coutinho.