Can City keep the pressure on United?(credit:
Wikipedia)
Manchester City welcome back Kolo Toure for the visit of Aston Villa in the Premier League today (kick-off 1500 GMT).
Toure was forced to miss the win over Newcastle United on Boxing Day with a one-match suspension, but he is set to recall his place in favour of Joleon Lescott.
City are currently joint-second in the Premier League and could move top of the tree if they pick up the three points and Manchester United lose at Birmingham City.
Aston Villa have problems in attack with former England international Emile Heskey a major fitness doubt after turning his ankle in the defeat over Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.
Ashley Young and Luke Young are also set to miss out, although the visitors could be boosted by the return of Stiliyan Petrov who has not started a Premier League game since October.
City have tasted defeat in only one of their last nine Premier League matches, while Villa have only picked up four points on their travels this season.
Last Premier League Games:
Newcastle United 1 MANCHESTER CITY 3: Hart; Boateng, Lescott, Kompany, Kolarov, Barry, De Jong, Milner, Yaya Toure (Vieira 83), Silva (A Johnson 69), Tevez (Balotelli 85). Subs not used: Given, Richards, Zabaleta, Jo.
ASTON VILLA 1 Tottenham Hotspur 2: Friedel; Lichaj, Collins, Cuellar, Warnock, Albrighton, Delph (Pires 74), Hogg (Petrov 46), Downing, Heskey (Delfouneso 39), Agbonlahor. Subs not used: Guzan, Reo-Coker, Clark, Bannan.