David Silva and Nicolas Otamendi are rested, while Sergio Aguero and Fernandinho drop to the bench.
Kevin De Bruyne returns, along with Yaya Toure, Bernardo Silva and Eliaquim Mangala.
Starting XI:
Bravo, Danilo, Stones, Mangala, Zinchenko, Gundogan, De Bruyne (c), Bernardo, Yaya Toure, Sterling, Sane
Subs: Ederson, Walker, Aguero, Delph, Fernandinho, Diaz, Adarabioyo
Team notes:
Raheem Sterling may play as an orthodox striker this evening, with Bernardo and Sane providing the ammunition.
Ilkay Gundogan and De Bruyne are likely to provide the attacking back-up from midfield, with Yaya Toure possibly protecting the back four.
Aguero is likely to see some game time depending on how the game goes and Pep Guardiola will want to give Brahim Diaz more minutes to impress should the opportunity allow.
Where can I watch the game?
Bristol City line-up:
⚽ #BristolCity v Man City: Fielding, Wright, Flint, Baker, Magnusson, Brownhill, Pack, Smith, Bryan, Paterson, Reid. Subs: Steele, Vyner, Kelly, Eliasson, Walsh, Engvall, Taylor. #MCYvBRC
— Bristol City FC (@bcfctweets) January 9, 2018
Tactics:
City will play their usual high pressing, passing game against the Robins – if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!
It will be interesting to see how Lee Johnson’s side go about their business. The Robins will be well aware that coming to the Etihad to attack could be dangerous – but sitting back and defending could have equal danger - as Burnley discovered.
Expect the visitors to press high and try and unsettle City at the back and force errors – they will come to work hard and defend in numbers, but equally, attack in numbers, too.
Johnson will know if his team can go back to Ashton Gate with a decent result, Ashton Gate will be rocking for the return leg.
Pep Guardiola will hope his troops can establish a lead that enables him to at least have the choice of resting one or two stars for the return leg, but will be prepared for two tight matches against the Bristolians.
Milestones, trivia and stats:
City are unbeaten in 31 home games in all competitions.
The Blues haven’t hosted the Robins since April 1980, more than 37 years ago.
Of the 23 previous meetings, Bristol City have won 10, City have won seven and there have been six draws – the Blues have only won once in 12 attempts at Ashton Gate
The Robins have been involved in 10 results of 2-1 this season, winning seven and losing three – City have also won seven games by a score of 2-1, but have lost none
Bristol City come into this game in their worst run of form this campaign, having lost their last three games by an aggregate of one goal scored, 10 conceded
