Topik: Kyle Walker, Nathan Ake, John Stones, Ederon, Manchester City, Aston Villa, English Premier League
The Cityzens drew 0-0 with Arsenal over the weekend and will be keen on bouncing back against Unai Emery's side. Unfortunately, Pep will be without a handful of first-team players.

Manchester City return to action in the Premier League on Wednesday, with the defending champions hosting Aston Villa on the back of their cagey showdown with fellow title challengers Arsenal.

Guardiola's men were unable to beat the Gunners on Sunday, drawing 0-0 and falling three points behind current leaders and bitter rivals Liverpool. As a result, the Cityzens cannot afford to drop further points.

Unfortunately, though, Manchester City will be without several key players when Unai Emery's impressive side pay them a visit. In fact, Haaland and Co. could be without four key players come Wednesday's showdown.

Three of the four are defenders, including Kyle Walker, who picked up an injury during the international break, and Nathan Ake, who limped off the pitch on Sunday in the Arsenal draw.

John Stones is the other defender who could miss this tie, but after making the bench for the Arsenal game, Guardiola admitted that the Englishman is the likeliest to be fit for the midweek Aston Villa clash.

Meanwhile, goalkeeper Ederson is not yet in contention and will watch this tie from the sidelines after suffering a muscle injury at Anfield in the 1-1 draw with the Merseyside giants. This is concerning as Aston Villa are a tricky side. The last team to beat Manchester City were Unai Emery's side, with Watkins and Co. triumphing 1-0 back in December.

Manchester City are currently third in the league with 63 points to their name, one less than second-placed Arsenal and three behind Liverpool. After Wednesday's showdown with Aston Villa, the Cityzens will visit Crystal Palace in the league before hosting Real Madrid for the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarterfinal clash.