Raheem Sterling has dropped out of the Manchester City starting XI as Manuel Pellegrini looks to end a run of league defeats with the visit of Aston Villa.

In all there are three changes as Pellegrini opts for a 4-4-2 formation, with Wilfried Bony coming in to partner Sergio Aguero up front.

Fernando is also out as Yaya Toure returns to the fold after overcoming a foot injury, while Bacary Sagna displaces Pablo Zabaleta at right-back.

For Remi Garde's visitors, there is just one change to the side that lost to Everton in midweek, with Jordan Veretout preferred to Leandro Bacuna in midfield.

Jordan Ayew will continue to partner Gabriel Agbonlahor up front for the Premier League's basement side.

Manchester City: Hart; Sagna, Kompany, Otamendi, Clichy; Toure, Fernandinho, Navas, Silva; Bony, Aguero
Subs: Caballero, Zabaleta, Mangala, Kolarov, M.Garcia, Sterling, Iheanacho

Aston Villa: Guzan; Hutton, Richards, Lescott, Clark, Cissokho; Veretout, Westwood, Gana; Agbonlahor, Ayew
Subs: Okore, Bacuna, Sinclair, Gil, Bunn, Lyden, Gestede

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