Team News: Javi Garcia starts at centre-back

Javi Garcia has been drafted in to play at centre-back for Manchester City away at Cardiff City this afternoon.

The Spaniard is ordinarily a midfield player, but City boss Manuel Pellegrini has picked him to replace injured captain Vincent Kompany.

Elsewhere, having impressed last time out against Newcastle United, Bosnian striker Edin Dzeko has kept his place in the starting lineup and will partner Sergio Aguero up front.

Like their visitors, Cardiff have made just one alteration, with Andrew Taylor being handed Declan John's slot at the back.

Cardiff: Marshall; Connolly, Taylor, Caulker, Turner; Whittingham, Medel, Campbell, Kim, Gunnarsson; Bellamy

Man City: Hart; Zabaleta, Garcia, Lescott, Clichy; Navas, Fernandinho, Toure, Silva; Dzeko, Aguero