Manchester City - Aston Villa: Team news and Predicted XIs

Team news and predicted XIs for Manchester City vs Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday evening.

Manchester City - Aston Villa: Team news and Predicted XIs
Sherwood celebrates his side getting to the FA Cup Final. (Courtesy of Birmingham Mail)
cian-woulfe
By Cian Woulfe

Manchester City

Gael Clichy is fighting to be fit for tomorrow's encounter, according to Manuel Pellegrini.  The French defender has been struggling with a calf injury recently. Out-of-favour striker, Stevan Jovetic, is also a major doubt, due to a thigh problem.

James Milner and Vincent Kompany are both ruled out of this game with respective long-term injuries.

Aston Villa 

Defensive duo, Philippe Senderos and Aly Cissokho have been given the green light to feature in this match, after playing for the U-21s earlier this week. 

The Villains are still without Nathan Baker, Ciaran Clark and Alan Hutton due to long-term set-backs. Crucial striker, Gabriel Agbonlahor, could be match-ready however, if he passes his late fitness test on Friday. 

Manchester City Predicted XI (4-2-3-1):

Joe Hart (GK): Their trusty Number one is at no risk of losing his place at the moment - one of the first names on the team-sheet.

Pablo Zabaleta (RB): The Argentine has been one of the Citizens' only positives so far this season, a model of consistency.

Martin Demichelis (CB): Zabaleta's compatriot has done a sterling job of silencing last season's critics, but has still had his moments this season.

Eliaquim Mangala (CB): It's fair to say that the Portuguese import hasn't lived up to his £32m price tag in his debut season at the club, failing to hold down a first-team place. Only in this game because of Kompany's absence.

Aleksandr Kolarov (LB): A fantastic player on his day, but just far too inconsistent. Neither him or Gael Clichy are safe from the club's swinging axe this summer.

Frank Lampard (CM): Considering the Englishman's age, he has played the cameo role very well this season, but don't expect to see him adorning the sky-blue shirt this time next campaign.

Fernando (CM): Another questionable Pellegrini signing, the midfielder has, at times, been brilliant and ruthlessly efficient. But other times, he's been practically invisible. 

Jesus Navas (RM): The Spaniard was electric in the 2-0 victory over West Ham last weekend, providing the cross from which James Collins scored his stunning own goal, before setting up Aguero for the other.

Yaya Toure (CAM): A shadow of his former self. The Ivorian who absolutely bossed the Premier League last season is nowhere to be seen after that infamous birthday cake incident.

David Silva (LM): A fantastically-talented midfielder on his day, which to be fair, is most days. He was stretchered off against West Ham, but has made a miraculous recovery and is now in contention to start this game.

Sergio Aguero (ST): There is no two ways about it; Sergio Aguero has carried City this season. Without him, they could well be fighting with the likes of Tottenham and Southampton for a Europa League spot. It's imperative that they wrap Aguero in cotton wool.

Aston Villa Predicted XI (4-3-3): 

Brad Guzan (GK): The big American was rested for the club's stunning victory over Liverpool in last weekend's FA Cup Semi-Final, so will be fresh for this game.

Leandro Bacuna (RB): The defender was fantastic in the Wembley win, really causing Liverpool's Alberto Moreno a lot of problems.

Jores Okore (CB): Likely to replace the injured Nathan Baker in the side. Did well when he was called upon last week.

Ron Vlaar (CB): The big Dutchman did a great job of keeping quiet Liverpool's already-muted striker, Balotelli.

Kieran Richardson (LB): The former Manchester United defender was the weakest performer of Villa's back line last week, constantly out-foxed by Emre Can.

Tom Cleverley (CM): Like the aforementioned Demichelis, Cleverley has done a great job in silencing his critics so far this season, with another solid performance at Wembley.

Kieren Westwood (CM): Acted as a shield for his defence, allowing Cleverley and Delph to ventre forward - executed it perfectly.

Fabian Delph (CM): After a spectacular assist for Benteke, the young Englishman continued to earn plaudits after netting the match-winner to send Villa to Wembley for the first time since 2000.

Charles N'Zogbia (RM): Didn't have a very significant impact for large parts of the game and was eventually replaced. Only starting in this game if Agbonlahor isn't fit in time.

Jack Grealish (LM): The youngster is a superb talent and showed why at Wembley, as he hassled the defence for the entire game. Big future ahead of him.

Christian Benteke (ST): The big striker proved why he's still one of the most pursuited centre-forwards in Europe, with a solid performance and a great opener. 

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About the author
Cian Woulfe
I am a keen enthusiast in both English and Dutch football, with Chelsea and Vitesse Arnhem the object of my desires. I also have a real soft spot for Rafael Nadal.