Aston Villa vs Man City LIVE Early team news and how to watch Premier League clash

Hello and welcome to our live coverage of Manchester City's Premier League contest with Aston Villa.

The Blues are unbeaten in nine games in all competitions, dating back to defeat to Brighton in August. Pep Guardiola's side are within striking distance of leaders Arsenal, who play Crystal Palace this afternoon.

City could end the weekend top if they win and the Gunners slip up but a victory at Villa Park will ensure Guardiola's side stay in second spot and move them further clear of title rivals Liverpool who lost at Brentford last night.

Guardiola remains without Rodri and Abdukodir Khusanov while late checks will be made on Nico Gonzalez after he was forced off with a foot problem in the midweek Champions League win over Villarreal.

Kick off at Villa Park is 2pm and you can follow all the build-up, action, reaction and analysis with us right here so stay with us.

Pep Guardiola put himself through a video nasty on Thursday, when he rewatched Manchester City's 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa last December.

It was the nightmare beforeChristmas for the Blues, extending a dismal run of form that derailed their season, but as they prepare to head back down the M6, things are looking a lot brighter.

City are nine games unbeaten, well placed to progress in theChampions League and firmly back in thePremier League title race, but the foundations for their renewed optimism were laid in the second half of last season.

Guardiola didn't recognise the team he watched succumb at Villa Park in the week, but this version is beginning to remind him of the most successful sides he has built during a trophy-laden decade at the Etihad.

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