How Manchester City could line up against Sheffield United

Manchester City will be aiming to get back to winning ways in the Premier League when they take on Sheffield United at Bramall Lane on Tuesday evening.

The Citizens' title hopes took another major blow at the weekend when drawing 2-2 with Crystal Palace, allowing Liverpool - 2-0 winners over Manchester United - to open up a 16-point lead at the summit with a game in hand.

Pep Guardiola has suggested that his focus is now elsewhere, with City still battling for silverware in three other competitions.

Ahead of the midweek trip to Yorkshire, Sports Mole looks at how Guardiola could set out his side.

> Click here for Manchester City's latest injury and suspension news ahead of this match

Out: Aymeric Laporte (knee), Leroy Sane (knee) Doubtful: John Stones (knee)

Laporte has been back in training for two weeks but is not expected to make his return until next weekend's FA Cup fourth-round tie with Fulham.

Speedy winger Sane is also closing in on a comeback, with a February return on the cards following a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

With FA Cup and EFL Cup ties to come over the next week or so, Guardiola may well use this match as an opportunity to rotate his side.

Stones has endured a tough time of things of late and also appeared to injure his knee against Palace, potentially opening the door for Nicolas Otamendi to return to the side.

Gabriel Jesus dropped down to the bench last time out, while Riyad Mahrez and Rodri were also second-half substitutes.

All three players are pushing for inclusion here and, should Jesus get the nod up top, Sergio Aguero - who boasts five goals in two league appearances in January - could be given a breather.