Man City predicted line-up vs Aston Villa as Pep Guardiola faces major concern in key position

Manchester City return to Premier League action on Wednesday as they host Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium.

Pep Guardiola's team are now three points off league leaders Liverpool in the table after Sunday's 0-0 draw at fellow title rivals Arsenal followed the Red's 2-1 win over Brighton. City know that they cannot afford any more slip-ups as they enter the final nine games of the season.

The reigning champions take on a Villa team who are looking to secure their place in the top four and a spot in next season's Champions League. Unai Emery's side won the reverse fixture back in December thanks to a Leon Bailey goal. The 1-0 defeat at Villa Park was the last game City lost in all competitions.

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And Guardiola will have to use the full strength of his squad when they host Villa with three players ruled out through injury. Central defender John Stones is also a doubt for Wednesday's game.

Goalkeeper Ederson is still out after the injury he sustained against Liverpool last month while Kyle Walker and Nathan Ake will also miss the fixture against Villa. Therefore, it seems likely that Gvardiol will come into the team at left-back with Ruben Dias and Manuel Akanji in central defence.

Rico Lewis could come in at right-back in place of Walker, although Akanji was used in that position against the Gunners. Elsewhere, Guardiola may be tempted to play Julian Alvarez but other that, expect a similar 11 to the one that was used against Arsenal.

MEN’s predicted Man City line-up : Ortega; Lewis, Dias, Akanji, Gvardiol, Rodri, Silva, De Bruyne;