Man City XI: Bravo, Sagna, Otamendi, Stones, Clichy, Fernandinho, Toure, Nolito, De Bruyne, Silva (c), Sterling
Subs: Caballero, Navas, A Garcia, Fernando, Zabaleta, Iheanacho, Kolarov
Ferna return
Brazilian midfielder Fernandinho comes straight back into the starting line-up following his three-game suspension, with his compatriot Fernando dropping to the bench. Fernando has been impressive in the recent wins over Watford and Arsenal, but with the matches coming thick and fast over the festive period, Guardiola has opted for fresh legs.
Defensive tweak
After the Arsenal game Guardiola admitted Bacary Sagna and John Stones had been unlucky to miss out – they get their chance against Hull. Pablo Zabaleta, who was passed fit despite a knee scare against Arsenal, and Aleks Kolarov are named on the bench.
Fluid formation
City started with Raheem Sterling as the spearhead against Arsenal before he was moved to a wider role. Will Kevin De Bruyne be pushed further upfield, with Sterling and Nolito on the flanks? Yaya Toure and Fernandinho should be the deeper lying midfield players, with David Silva the creative pivot ahead of them. Leroy Sane, scorer against Arsenal, is not fully fit so misses out. Sergio Aguero serves the last game of his ban.
Hull XI: Marshall, Robertson, Maguire, Davies, Dawson, Elmohamady, Huddlestone, Snodgrass, Clucas, Livermore, Mbokani.
Subs: Jakupovic, Meyler, Maloney, Weir, Henriksen, Diomande, Mason
