Manchester City have handed Yaya Toure an instant return to the starting XI from Africa Cup of Nations duty for this evening's trip to Southampton.
Samir Nasri also comes in for James Milner in an attacking side which features David Silva playing behind strike duo Edin Dzeko and Sergio Aguero.
Javi Garcia continues to deputise for injured City skipper Vincent Kompany as City look for a win to keep pace with league leaders Manchester United.
Southampton are unable to call upon injured duo Luke Shaw and Gaston Ramirez and have been forced to make a pair of changes.
In come Danny Fox and Steven Davis in an expansive starting XI from Saints boss Mauricio Pochettino, which sees Rickie Lambert partner Jay Rodriguez in attack.
Saints: Boruc, Clyne, Yoshida, Hooiveld, Fox, Cork, Schneiderlin, Puncheon, Davis, Rodriguez, Lambert
City: Hart, Zabaleta, Javi Garvia, Lescott, Clichy, Yaya Toure, Barry, Nasri, Aguero, Silva, Dzeko
