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Manchester City will be without Rodri against Aston Villa. The midfielder was forced off at Brentford before the international break and is not yet ready to return, having missed wins against Everton and Villarreal. City have been assessing the fitness of Nico Gonzalez, who was forced off against Villarreal on Tuesday with a foot problem. “We will see today and tomorrow how he feels,” said Pep Guardiola on Friday. Mateo Kovacic is set to come into the team if Gonzalez is not fit. His fitness was boosted by half an hour against Villarreal in midweek. Abdukodir Khusanov remains sidelined with the ankle injury that has seen him miss the last six City matches. “Close to come back but not ready,” said Guardiola. “The injury is in a dangerous position.” Phil Foden, Nico O'Reilly and Tijjanji Reijnders were all on the bench in midweek and could come into the side, though Rico Lewis and Bernardo Silva were good in midfield against Villarreal. In-form Erling Haaland will lead the line, having scored 24 goals in 14 matches for club and country this season and finding the net again against Villarreal. Predicted Man City XI (4-1-4-1): Donnarumma; Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O’Reilly; Reijnders, Kovacic, Foden; Silva, Haaland, Doku Doubt: Nico Injured: Rodri, Khusanov Time and date: 2pm GMT on Sunday October 26, 2025 Venue: Villa Park, Birmingham How to watch: Sky Sports
