Last Updated: Fri, 16 Nov 2012 11:01
Paul Lambert could name the same XI from last week's defeat against Manchester United for Aston Villa's trip to Manchester City.
The Villa chief has to check on several players before he formulates his final selection plans for the tough trip to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.
However, after a positive display against United in last week's 3-2 defeat at Villa Park, Lambert is hopeful of fielding a similar line-up.
Youngster Enda Stevens was handed a start at left-back against United, but his place could be under threat by the return of Eric Lichaj from a one-match ban, while Joe Bennett could also be fit from his leg wound.
Barry Bannan and Ashley Westwood are hoping to keep hold of the central midfield places with Andreas Weimann, Stephen Ireland and Gabby Agbonlahor supporting frontman Christian Benteke.
Lambert will give record signing Darren Bent a late fitness test on the ankle injury which has forced him to miss their last two games.
However Charles N'Zogbia, Richard Dunne, Chris Herd and Nathan Baker are all set to miss out because of respective knee, leg, knee and ankle injuries.
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