Aston Villa predicted XI vs Manchester City: Johan Manzambi returns as Pau Torres axed
Aston Villa are preparing to play host to Manchester City on Saturday.
It's another two-game week for the Villans after Champions League action on Wednesday evening.
The claret and blue outfit welcomed Viking to B6 and sent them away with very little to shout about.
Goals from Ross Barkley and Emi Buendia combined with a Henrik Heggheim own goal helped secure a 3-1 win.
That has made it three wins on the spin for Unai Emery's side across all competitions.
Attention now turns back to the Premier League as we assess how Villa could line-up against Man City.
Who will start in defence vs Manchester City?
There have been so many problems at the back for Emery in recent weeks.
It's fair to say that he hasn't had to worry about Zion Suzuki, and after another two saves against Viking, he's set to start against the Citizens.
The questions will be about who starts ahead of him as Victor Lindelof and Tyrone Mings could combine with the task of stopping Erling Haaland.
That could see Pau Torres drop to the bench despite his 10 defensive actions in mid-week.
The centre-half duo could be joined by a new look full-back pairing in the shape of Matty Cash and Ian Maatsen.
Both were fit enough for the bench in the Champions League, so could be in line to start in the Premier League.
That change could see Joao Gomes drop out after putting up two tackles and five duel wins from right-back against Viking.
That may allow Barkley to keep his place after his goal to link up with Boubacar Kamara, who could come straight back in.
Could Johan Manzambi return for Aston Villa?
The biggest question ahead of the Man City clash will be about the fitness of Johan Manzambi.
The Switzerland international was forced off against Newcastle and has since been revealed to have a "small injury".
That is as much as Emery would divulge, so that could point towards the attacking midfielder returning.
He could come in to join Emi Buendia and John McGinn after their combined six chances and eight shots in the Champions League.
That could prompt Alysson and Ibrahim Mbaye to drop to the bench despite a positive showing in the starting XI.
These stars could all feature to help supply Nicolas Jackson despite him being wasteful with his four shots against Viking.
The Senegal international won't lose confidence and will be keen to get back on the scoresheet at Villa Park.
Aston Villa predicted XI vs Manchester City: Suzuki, Cash, Lindelof, Mings, Maatsen, Kamara, Barkley, McGinn, Buendia, Manzambi, Jackson