Having seen their three-match winning run abruptly ended by conceding twice in the final 10 minutes last week, Aston Villa will aim to start another success streak on Saturday - at Manchester City's expense.
Unai Emery has most of his main men available to face the ailing Premier League champions, though Leon Bailey remains a doubt due to his latest fitness issue and Jacob Ramsey will not return from injury until next month.
After a rare free midweek allowed Emery to focus on recovery and training, he must make some tough calls - none more onerous than deciding who should start up front.
Previously renowned as a deluxe 'super-sub', Jhon Duran has deputised for Ollie Watkins of late - the latter has seen his playing time limited by a minor injury - and scored the opening goal against Nottingham Forest last time out.
It remains to be seen whether Duran can keep his place ahead of the England striker, while Bailey's possible return may threaten Matty Cash's place on Villa's right flank; Jaden Philogene has apparently fallen out of favour.
Tyrone Mings is available after an illness caused him to pull out of the starting XI in Nottingham, and he will contend with Pau Torres to feature in the hosts' back four.
Two further decisions regard who joins Youri Tielemans in central midfield, where Boubacar Kamara is favourite over Amadou Onana, and Ian Maatsen's claims for a place at left-back, where Lucas Digne has impressed - particularly from set-pieces.
Aston Villa possible starting lineup: Martinez; Konsa, Carlos, Torres, Digne; Kamara, Tielemans; Cash, Rogers, McGinn; Watkins
> Click here to see how Manchester City could line up for this Premier League contest
Jonathan O'Shea
