Only three players survive from the team that started against Bournemouth on Monday evening, but despite the absence of David Silva and Yaya Toure, the Blues still field a very strong starting XI...
Team...
Bravo, Zabaleta (c), Stones, Otamendi, Kolarov, Fernando, Delph, Fernandinho, Nolito, Aguero, Navas
Subs: Caballero, Sagna, Sterling, De Bruyne, Sane, Iheanacho, A Garcia
So Claudio Bravo is among eight players recalled today.
With the defence fairly straightforward, it looks as though Fabian Delph and Fernando will anchor the midfield, allowing Fernandinho to use his creative talents in a more advanced role.
Nolito and Jesus Navas will be expected to supply the ammunition to Sergio Aguero.
Absent friends...
Toure and Silva take a well-earned rest ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League clash with AS Monaco.
Vincent Kompany and Gael Clichy have picked up a minor knocks in training while Ilkay Gundogan and Gabriel Jesus are longer term absentees.
Tactics
Expect City to go for broke and try and take the wind out of Huddersfield’s sails early on.
Pep Guardiola wants to win this game, but if his starting XI can establish some breathing room, he will be able to give more rest to some of the players who will start against Monaco.
Fernandinho will shoulder the main creative duties with no Silva or Toure, with Delph and Fernando beefing up the midfield.
The Terriers’ defence won’t have come up against two in-form wingers like Raheem Sterling and Leroy Sane on too many occasions this season and will be pleased to see the pair on the bench this afternoon - at least to begin with - instead Jesus Navas and Nolito could provide the width- assuming City go 4-2-3-1
The hosts will attack, but are susceptible to teams with a swift counter-attack so expect City to utilise Navas’ pace up front when swiftly breaking forward.
Terriers...
Huddersfield Town also make seven changes for today’s game...
