Manchester City’s lineup features Vincent Kompany fresh from injury, alongside Martin Demichelis. Mangala has been dropped to the becnh, probably as a a reaction to his recent sub par form.

Pellegrini appears to be going for a 4-2-2-2, with Jovetic dropping behind Aguero at the front. The inclusion of Fernandinho is a positive, as the partnership of Toure and Fernando seems not to have flourished as of yet. Fernandinho’s more dynamic style of play should hopefully counteract Swansea’s efficiency through the center of the field.

One player to keep an eye on in this match is Swansea’s Jefferson Montero

One player to keep an eye on in this match is Swansea’s Jefferson Montero. The Ecuadorian winger was arguably man of the match against Arsenal last time out, and his pace will ask questions of a City defense that is having a hard time of keeping clean sheets at the minute.

Encouragingly, Jose Angel Pozo has been included on the bench. The young Spanish striker was City’s top scorer at u21 level in the 2012/13 season, and should things go to plan, he can make a cameo appearance towards the end of today’s game.

City should, and hopefully will, win this game (not to tempt fate). The ideal scenario is a clean sheet to reassure the backline, and a reenactment of the Fernandinho/Toure partnership that has looked so potent in the past.