Team News: Kompany returns for Man City

Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany has shaken off a knee injury to return to the Citizens' starting lineup for their match against Aston Villa this afternoon.

Kompany missed City's 3-0 victory over Fulham at the Etihad Stadium last week but is passed fit to replace Stefan Savic in defence for today's trip to Villa Park.

Edin Dzeko drops to the bench as Roberto Mancini reverts to a five-man midfield, with Nigel De Jong and James Milner handed starts.

Villa manager Alex McLeish has made four changes to the side that lost 2-1 at Newcastle United last weekend, with youngster Gary Gardner awarded a start.

James Collins returns in defence in place of Stephen Warnock, with Alan Hutton expected to switch to left back.

Man City: Hart, Zabaleta, Kompany, Lescott, Kolarov; Barry, De Jong, Milner, Johnson, Silva; Aguero.

Aston Villa: Given, Hutton, Cuellar, Dunne, Collins; Petrov, Gardner, Heskey, Albrighton; Keane, Bent.