Fabian Delph is in line to play a part for Manchester City against former side Aston Villa, having been named among the visitors' subs this afternoon.

The England international has not featured for the Citizens since August due to persistent injury problems, but he is back among the matchday squad for the trip to his former hunting ground.

Manuel Pellegrini has made just the one change to his side from the midweek win over Sevilla, bringing Kevin de Bruyne back into the first-team fold in place of Jesus Navas.

New Villa boss Remi Garde, overseeing his first game in charge today, has opted to make six changes to his side to usher in a new era at Villa Park.

Joleon Lescott and Jack Grealish have both dropped down to the bench, while former City defender Micah Richards is among those to be welcomed back following his suspension last time out.

Aston Villa: Guzan; Hutton, Richards, Clark, Amavi; Gana, Veretout, Sanchez, Gil, Sinclair; Ayew
Subs: Bunn, Bacuna, Lescott, Richardson, N'Zogbia, Gestede, Grealish

Manchester City: Hart; Sagna, Kompany, Otamendi, Kolarov; Fernando, Fernandinho; De Bruyne, Toure, Sterling; Bony
Subs: Caballero, Demichelis, Mangala, Clichy, Delph, Navas, Iheanacho

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