Rico Lewis and John Stones start - Man City predicted XI vs Aston Villa

Manchester City are winless in their last three Premier League matches and could do with turning around a win to keep chase with Arsenal, who are still only three points ahead.

Conversely, the Blues have not been beaten since October 8 - the defeat to the Gunners, a result that still separates the two clubs. Pep Guardiola has admitted he is concerned about the number of goals his side are conceding having shipped 10 in their last four outings.

The champions travel to Aston Villa on Wednesday in what will be another tricky test against a side who currently sit only a point behind City in fourth. Guardiola will be without Rodri and Jack Grealish, who is suspended for picking up five yellow cards in the competition which means a door opens up for teammates.

READ MORE: Pep Guardiola discusses Rodri replacements

READ MORE: Pep Guardiola believes Man City will win the Premier League

Here is how City may line up at Villa Park.

Formation: 3-2-4-1

Ederson has kept four clean sheets in 13 Premier League matches and may have a job to extend his tally against the likes of Ollie Watkins and Moussa Diaby. He will hope those at the other end will mean a block-out isn’t necessary.

Kyle Walker and Ruben Dias are perhaps the two mainstays of the City back line despite their leakage in recent games. There may be a change on the left, though.

A number of breakaway goals against City have come down the left when Josko Gvardiol has been playing. Nathan Ake is not as good going forward but provides more stability defensively and is more accustomed to the back-three role than the youthful Gvardiol.

Guardiola says John Stones is fit to face Villa having suffered two injury setbacks this season. The 29-year-old has not played in a month