Kevin De Bruyne and Jesus Navas have returned to the Manchester City starting XI as they welcome Middlesbrough to the Etihad this afternoon.

Pablo Zabaleta and Gael Clichy also return to the fold as manager Pep Guardiola reverts to four at the back, with Nicolas Otamendi missing out on a place in the matchday squad altogether.

Raheem Sterling is also absent as De Bruyne and Navas join David Silva as support for Sergio Aguero up front, while Nolito drops down to the bench alongside Kelechi Iheanacho and Leroy Sane.

For visiting Boro, manager Aitor Karanka is forced to make one change from the side that defeated Bournemouth 2-0 last weekend.

Gaston Ramirez is suspended for picking up a yellow card during that match, meaning a recall for the fit-again Marten de Roon.

Cristhian Stuani is also passed fit and takes his place among the substitutes.

Manchester City: Bravo; Zabaleta, Stones, Kolarov, Clichy; Fernandinho, Gundogan; Silva, De Bruyne, Navas; Aguero
Subs: Caballero, Kompany, Maffeo, Garcia, Nolito, Iheanacho, Sane

Middlesbrough: Valdes, Barragan, Chambers, Gibson, Friend; Clayton, De Roon, Forshaw; Traore, Downing, Negredo
Subs: Guzan, Bernardo, Fabio, Leadbitter, Fischer, Stuani, Nugent

Keep up with all of the action from the Etihad this afternoon with Sports Mole's live text commentary here.